Conflict Resolution Objectives reduce or eliminate unnecessary conflict

Conflict Resolution

Objectives Ø reduce or eliminate unnecessary conflict Ø recognize that we can’t eliminate all conflict Ø handle disagreements so they do not become ugly ongoing conflict Ø share our experiences Ø have fun

Conflict A definition of “conflict” Ø “the result of parties disagreeing about the distribution of material or symbolic resources and acting on the basis of these perceived incompatibilities. ” Ø “is a state of discord caused by the actual or perceived opposition of needs, values and interests”

Conflict Ø is an ambiguous concept Ø takes on different meanings for different groups in different contexts Ø understood as a negative phenomenon HOWEVER

Conflict Ø more positive approach to understanding conflict has been adopted Ø indicative of change within society that enables the “peaceful & constructive management of differences”

Positive and negative aspects of oral and visual communication. . . Group Work

People tend to resist communication, argue or perceive conflict when the other person. . . Ø provides unsolicited advice Ø tries to create guilt Ø offers false sympathy or lacks in understanding Ø pressures a person to change Ø appears to want to blame rather than fix Ø wants to “win” Ø uses excessive dramatic language Ø uses “hot words”, that have a heavy emotional connotation

Key Points Conflict in the workplace. . . Ø is inevitable & occurs because people care about what they are doing Ø needs to be looked at as an opportunity Ø can be productive or nonproductive – can be good or ugly Ø depends on how the disagreements are handled and if they are necessary to getting things done

Conflict occurs. . . when two or more parties Ø believe that their interests are incompatible Ø express hostile attitudes Ø take action that damages other parties’ ability to pursue their interests

In order to prevent destructive conflict and to deal with it effectively We need to understand something about what conflict is about

Ugly Conflict Ø occurs when conflict is unnecessary or becomes a personal confrontation Ø bad feelings generated & “defeat” each other rather than solving the issue Ø creates negative emotions Ø wastes time – being angry, defeating, lobbying for support Ø is disruptive for the team, causing lack of trust & discomfort

Ugly Conflict: How to Recognize it Ø runs for a long time & across many issues Ø people give up & try to score points rather than solve Ø focus on personal issues (styles, ways of talking & personal qualities) Ø people often labelled Ø look to a higher authority to “fix” problem using POWER

Good Organisational Conflict Ø allows organisation & people to grow Ø helps people examine what they take for granted & ineffective old ways of doing things Ø stimulates creativity & problem solving

To Benefit from Conflict Ø need to separate the personal, emotional aspects from the problem-solving parts (when overly invested in positions, tend to make enemies as conflicts become more personalized) Ø need skills & understanding to interact in conflict situations Ø need to understand how to “fight fair” & “stay focused on problem-solving”

Conflict Styles Survey Which style do you use?

Activity

5 Conflict Styles

Accommodating ü unassertive & co-operative ü neglects own concerns to satisfy others ü element of self-sacrifice (own goals are of little importance ü want to be accepted and liked by others ü think conflict should be avoided in favour of harmony ü may obey another person when would prefer not to

Competing ü is assertive & uncooperative ü win/lose and be winner ü power-oriented: forces one to accept their solution ü goals are more important than relationship ü do not care if others like/accept them ü win by attacking, overpowering, overwhelming & intimidating others ü might mean: standing up for own rights; defending a position you believe is correct or trying to win

Collaborating ü is both assertive & co-operative ü value own goals & relationships ü view conflict as problems to be solved ü seek solution to achieve goals for both ü can improve relationships by reducing tension ü attempt to work with other to find solution to satisfy both

Avoiding ü is unassertive & uncooperative ü does not pursue his/her own concerns or the others ü does not address conflict: easier to withdraw (physically & psychologically) than to face it ü may side-step the issue, postpone it for later or withdraw ü believe it is hopeless to resolve conflict & feels helpless

Compromising ü is intermediate in both assertive & co-operativeness ü seek solution where both sides gain something ü falls on middle ground between competing & accommodating - gives up more than competing but less than accommodating ü willing to sacrifice part of their goals & relationships to find common ground ü addresses issue more directly than avoiding ü might mean splitting the difference, exchanging concessions, or seeking a quick middle-ground position

High Importance G O A L S collaborating competing compromising avoiding accommodating RELATIONSHIPS Low Importance High Importance

Ways to work through conflict resolution… Ø Executive decision Ø Tolerate difference Ø Problem solve Ø Mediate & Arbitrate Ø Compromise Ø Listen & clarify Ø Negotiate Ø Accommodate Ø Avoid Ø Introduce humour