Conflict is good as long as it is productive. Insulting someone is not productive, but a healthy debate is the foundation of democracy and is valuable in business. Successful organizations encourage healthy conflict; it forces people to defend opinions and allows for a free flow of ideas. Of course, managers must prevent these conflicts from getting out of hand.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.
The same ideas apply to negotiation, or conflict with an individual outside of the organization. The key to successful negotiation is preparation. Whereas conflict within a firm can be less formal, negotiations require much more due diligence. Whether it is a $10,000 contract or a $10 billion merger, the principles of negotiation remain the same.
This chapter provides an excellent introduction to conflict and negotiation. You will learn about the types, causes, and consequences of conflict, as well as how to manage conflict. The text then transitions to understanding and employing negotiation strategies within the organization.
Review this presentation for a short discussion of several types of organizational conflict and some of the factors that influence conflict in the workplace. This presentation also defines and explains the types of conflict you may see in your workplace.
This article shows the relationship between task and relations-oriented leadership styles and conflict management styles. See which style is better suited to different types of conflict. Recall our study of groups and teams in the previous unit. Which work best within groups and teams?
Review this detailed article on conflict in organizations. Note the focus on causes of conflict between the individual and the organization. As you read, also think about the effects of conflict on the individual and the organization. Is conflict is always bad? What are some of the positive results of conflict?
How do you manage conflict? Do you aim to accommodate others' needs? Or do you put your own needs first? The key is to find a balance where both your needs and the needs of others are met. View this presentation on managing conflict for a quick introduction to various conflict management tendencies.
View this presentation for an overview of negotiation. What are some common myths about negotiation? How can you better prepare for a negotiation? Finally, take note of the term acronym "BATNA" and the distinction between target points and reservations points in a negotiation.
Watch this short video to learn about the principles of mediation. How might mediation be used as a form of conflict resolution?
Now that we are aware of the principles of mediation, what applications do they have for the organization? Why is it beneficial for managers to resolve conflict, possibly with the use of mediation, as opposed to using arbitration? What traits and characteristics does a typical mediator possess? Do you share any of these traits?
Our final lesson on conflict and negotiation will address the role of ethical negotiations. Why would someone lie during a negotiation? What are the arguments for behaving ethically?
Watch this video. After you watch, reflect on how you can kickstart honest conversations.
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.