HRM624 Conflict Management GDB Solution Spring Semester 2013


Two economists are assigned a group task to design a policy. One of them is in favor of free market economy and a monetary policy etc while the other is in favor of controlled economy and is a socialist. Due to the difference in school of thoughts, they have bad ties; do not communicate and when they do, it gets hostile.
They have been assigned a deadline and the work is too huge to be done alone.
In determining the conflicting ties through Themes of Conflict Diagnosis, how you diagnose the above conflict between the two working together while disagreeing also? Explain any 3 related themes in reference with above context

Sponsored Links

Solution:

Steps in Conflict Diagnosis
1. Describe/map the conflict
2. Identify sources
3. Analyze interests
4. Characterize the conflict
5. Consider trust
6. Identify impediments to settlement
7. Address negotiation styles and preferences
8. Consider power
9. Identify/maximize the Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA
10. Consider diversity issues

Conflict Management Themes

There are times when we have all been in conflict situations and we have experienced a variety of ways in
which the parties involved deal with the conflict. The following five approaches are ways in which we
tend to deal with the conflict and each approach is appropriate depending upon the situation.
1. DENIAL/AVOID/WITHDRAW (THEME - “Leave Well Enough Alone”)
Use The issue or timing is not critical. A cooling off period is required for one or both of
the parties involved. There is a threat of violence or when more information is
required to settle the conflict.
Do not use The situation requires immediate resolution or when one party remains
frustrated by the avoidance of the issue.
2. COMPETITION/POWER (THEME – “Might Makes Right”)
Use Swift action is needed in resolving the conflict. The issue is important but perhaps
unpopular. It is vital to the organization. When you know you are right, or when
there is a need to protect against people who take advantage of non-competitive
behavior.
Do not use Concern for the parties involved are not clear. Consequences of action taken
have not been considered.
3. ACCOMMODATION (THEME - “Kill Your Enemies With Kindness”)
Use You are wrong. To allow fora better position to be heard. The preservation of the
relationship is more important than the issue at hand. Continued competition would
damage your case.
Do not use The issue is significant and must be resolved sooner or later.
4. COMPROMISE/NEGOTIATION (THEME – “Split The Difference”)
Use The goals are of moderate importance. Both parties involved feel a compromise would
help in resolution. There is equal power among the parties but each are committed to a
mutually exclusive goal. A temporary solution is required as a step toward resolution
of a complex issue.
Do not use Only one party is willing to give up something. If negotiation is not possible by
one party.
5. COLLABORATION/INTEGRATION/CONSENSUS (THEME – “Two Heads Are Better Than One”)
Use There are shared values or goals. Time is available and the power among the parties is
balanced. When there is effective communications and the concerns are too important to

compromise. If there is a requirement to merge insights from different perspectives on
a common problem.
Do not use if: There is no balance of power between the parties. The goals or values are not
shared by both parties, or poor communications exist between the parties involved
000New