Harvard Kennedy School builds connections
Gathering with friends and family may be joyful but may also involve challenging conversations. HKS faculty provide tools for having better, more productive disagreements.
Constructive disagreement
How reflexivity—the ability to question your assumptions—can be part of leadership development
Tim O’Brien conducted a study using Constructive Development Theory to study how students at different developmental stages learned to examine their beliefs and understand their reactions.
How the United States Can Come Together
What can we learn from America’s history of polarization? How can we use these lessons to unite America and move from an individualistic to a more cooperative culture?
HKS experts debate the role of constructive disagreement in a democratic society
At the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, faculty provide “manifold perspectives” on democracy and the value of listening to others.
We can productively discuss even the toughest topics—here’s how
Harvard Kennedy School faculty members Erica Chenoweth and Julia Minson explain the motivation and science behind the school’s new Candid and Constructive Conversations initiative.
Do you know if someone is a good listener? It’s hard to tell whether your partner is really paying attention or faking it.
The study authors say it is important to understand that inattentiveness in conversation is common. Acknowledging, forgiving, and repairing inattentive moments in conversation can be important in building relationships and understanding.
Discover Programs That
Fit Your Career Goals
-
Master’s Programs
Master’s Programs
One- and two-year master’s degree programs in public policy or public administration prepare students to lead.
-
Executive Education
Executive Education
Open-enrollment and custom programs to help leaders gain the skills needed to solve current challenges in real time.
-
Doctoral Programs
Doctoral Programs
Full-time PhD programs in public, health, and social policy prepare candidates for careers in academia, research, or policymaking.
-
Public Leadership Credential
Public Leadership Credential
A series of online courses developed to help learners improve their decision-making, leadership, and policymaking skills for the public good.
Mapping HKS
Harvard Kennedy School is one of the University’s most international schools, welcoming students from around the globe each year. This year, students join us from 96 countries and territories, not including the United States.
Upcoming Events
The Latest
Cities & Communities
How AI can affect productivity in public service delivery
Environment & Energy
