Workplace Conflict Resolutions

KB Washington
LDR/532 December 10, 2012 Lana Kains

CONFLICT
What is it?

Differences
Disagreements Clashes
about

Ideas Principles People Focus Choices Decisions

CONFLICT
In the Workplace

When people work together, conflict will occur. It is a natural part of the work environment.

CONFLICT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sources?

Poor Communication Lack of understanding or acceptance of new ideas Differing interests Scarcity
Personality differences Poor performance Backgrounds and culture

CONFLICT
Scenario
Inez, Program Manager

Inez and Sasha are co-workers in the same department. Inez has been with the organization for almost 15 years while Sasha is completing her first year with the company.

Sasha, Program Manager

Seasoned employee, been with company over 10 years.

CONFLICT: Inez does not agree with the way Sasha handles client reports and has repeatedly told Sasha she is doing the reporting incorrectly. Sasha feels badgered by Inez and thinks she may have issues with her because shes new and younger than Inez.

New employee, been with company just under a year.

CONFLICT

Breakdown

Lack of acceptance and understanding

1
Inez doesnt see any reason to change their teams processes, so it appears that she is unwilling to see Sashas suggestions as valued or relevant input.

Backgrounds and culture

Both Inez and Sasha see their age differences as a reason why theyre having issues. Inez also believes that Sashas ethnicity might be a problem.

Poor communication 3
Sasha has good intentions, however, she never really communicated with the team why the processes should be changed. Inez should communicate her concerns in a way that does not devalue Sasha or the work she is doing.

CONFLICT
SOLUTIONS

COMMUNICATION

EVALUATION

IMPLEMENTATION

With guided communication, a little lunch, and openness, Inez and Sasha worked through their differences by being honest and then working toward solutions that would benefit the entire team.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

Mary

Inez

Sasha

Path - goal theory holds that effective leaders increase motivation and satisfaction among subordinates when they help them pursue important goals that is, when they help them see the goals, the paths to them, and how to follow those paths effectively (Rainey, 2010, p. 319).

CONFLICT
RESOLVED

Inez and Sasha realized that when they looked at the situation from each others point of view of they understood each other better. Also, they spent time together outside of the regular workplace. Simply having lunch together changed how they viewed one another which ultimately affected their communication with one another for the better.

Reference
Rainey, H. G. (2009). Understanding and Managing Public Organizations (4th

ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection

Database.