Conflict Politics and Negotiation Conflict A process in

Conflict, Politics, and Negotiation Conflict A process in which one party consciously interferes in the goal achievement efforts of another party. 1

Conflict It is a natural phenomenon of organizational life and it cannot be completely eliminated and if we could we probably wouldn’t want to 2

Conflict It can stimulate creativity, innovation, and change by challenging the status quo. 3

Sources of Conflict Communication Differences Structural Differentiation Personal Differences 4

Conflict Management The application of resolution and stimulation techniques to achieve the optimum level of departmental conflict. 5

Conflict Resolution Techniques Avoidance The desire to withdraw from or suppress a conflict. Accommodation The willingness of one party in a conflict to place the opponent’s interests above his or her own. 6

Conflict Resolution Techniques Forcing The desire to satisfy your own needs at the expense of the other party. Compromise A situation in which each party to a conflict is willing to give up something of value. 7

Conflict Resolution Techniques Collaboration A situation where the parties to a conflict each desire to satisfy fully the concerns of all parties. 8

Techniques for Stimulating Conflict Use Communication Bring in Outsiders Restructure the Department Appoint a Devil’s Advocate 9

Understanding Organizational Politics Politicking is the actions you can take to influence , or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within your organization. 10

Why is There Politics? Organizations are made up of individuals and groups with different values, goals, and interests and all of them are competing in confined environments for limited resources. Conflict is a natural by-product. 11

Why is There Politics? In the real world of organizations, the good guys don’t always win. Demonstrating openness, trust, objectivity, support, and similar humane qualities in relationships with others doesn’t always lead to improved supervisory performance. 12

Why is There Politics? There will be times when, to get things done or to protect your interests against the maneuvering of others, you’ll have to engage in politicking. 13

What are the Ethics of Playing Politics Political action is not necessarily unethical. Ask these questions: First: is the political action motivated by self-serving interests to the exclusion of the organizations goals? 14

What are the Ethics of Playing Politics Second: does the political action respect the rights of the individuals affected? Third: is the political activity fair and equitable? 15

Assessing the Political Landscape The Organization’s Culture Every organization’s culture is different, and if a political strategy is to succeed, it must be compatible with the culture. (a system of shared meaning that guide actions) 16

Assessing the Political Landscape The Power of Others Power is differential…on some issues, a person may be very powerful…on others that same person may be relatively powerless. To optimize ones effectiveness it will be necessary to sort this out. 17

A Political Primer Frame arguments in terms of organizational goals Develop the right image Gain control of organizational resources 18

A Political Primer Make yourself appear indispensable Be Visible Get a mentor Support your boss 19

A Political Primer Develop powerful allies Avoid “tainted” members 20

Negotiation A process in which two or more parties who have different preferences and priorities must make a joint decision and come to an agreement. 21

Negotiation There are two general approaches to negotiation: Distributive Bargaining and Integrative Bargaining 22

Distributive Bargaining A negotiating process that operates under zero-sum conditions; any gain made is at the expense of the other person, and vice versa. 23

Integrative Bargaining A negotiating process that operates under the assumption that there is at least one settlement that can create a winwin solution. 24

Developing Negotiation Skills Consider the other parties situation Have a concrete strategy Begin with a positive overture 25

Developing Negotiation Skills Address problems not personalities Pay little attention to initial offers Emphasize win-win solutions 26