...Managing Workplace Conflicts The author of this article, Annemarie Franczyk, believes that the expectation to do more with less these days could be fostering a breeding ground of workplace conflict. Managers need to be increasingly aware of clashes between workers before the problems disrupt workflow and productivity. (Franczyk, A., 2010) Annemarie and her panel made suggestions for how to best mitigate the risks associated with workplace conflict. I chose to review this article about workplace conflicts, because I am currently in management at my job and I believe this article will help me get involved more with fellow co-workers and also help me see the things that are going on within the store that are not verbally communicated to me. This article will also help me address issues and help develop solutions to issues. The main point that is made in this article is that people lose sight of the organization’s goals while fighting for their personal goals. And there are four strategies for mitigating the damaging effects of workplace conflicts which are: (1) Recognize it and step in, (2) Meet without emotion, (3) Real solutions, and (4) Use the EAP (Employee-Assistance Program). (Franczyk, A., 2010) 1. Recognize it and step in: Managers shouldn’t avoid situations and wait for employees to do something drastic, like resigning, they should set in and help to resolve issues for them instead of letting them try to solve them for themselves. They...
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...Running head: MANAGING WORKPLACE CONFLICT Managing Workplace Conflict: A Look at Leadership Styles Abstract Leadership styles play a large part in managing workplace conflict. These styles can help or hinder the actual conflict. This paper will look at several different types of leadership styles and discuss how these styles can play a role in resolving workplace conflict. Is there one style that is better than the other? When trying to resolve workplace conflict there are three steps that a leader should implement to successfully resolve the conflict, these steps will be discussed. In order to understand how leadership styles can affect workplace conflict one must first know what conflict is. Conflict is strong disagreement between people, groups, etc., that results in often angry argument or a difference that prevents agreement: disagreement between ideas, feelings, etc. (Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.), 1993). Conflict is not always a bad thing; it can be healthy for an organization to have some conflict. The approach from a leader’s perspective can help or hinder the initial conflict. Conflict is a normal part of everyday life. Just like breathing, conflict is going to happen at some point in your day. Many companies have teams that work closely together and this can be a breeding ground for conflict. When you have groups of people working together you are going to have many different personalities that come into play. Shetach (2012)...
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...Main Topic: Managing Workplace relationship, conflict and negotiation skills include effective communication. Building relationships within the workplace According to Harbour S. (2015) establishing and maintaining good working relationships is the key to a positive workplace. Effective businesses encourage the development of positive relationships between managers and employees as well as amongst coworkers. It is imperative to create a clear and concise company mission statement and distribute a copy of the statement to each employee, so that they can be clear on exactly what is expected of them and the intended goal of the business they represent. Teamwork should be encouraged through formal and informal team-building activities. Management could always arrange a company-oriented outing, such as fun days consisting of activities such as tug a war or cricket, or involve the office in a team-based charitable activity. Good relationships in the workplace thrive when individuals feel part of a team and comfortable with their teammates. The need for two way communication should be encouraged, as this would boost staff morale. The better and more effectively persons communicate with those around them, the richer the work relationships will be. All good relationships depend on open, honest communication. Managers should always reward great work as quickly as possible, and address problems or concerns immediately. Acknowledge staff members publicly with written or...
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...8607-506 WORK BASED ASSIGNMENT M5.08: Managing stress and conflict in the organisation |Centre Number 065790 |Centre Name UMD Professional | |Candidate Enrolment Number: |Candidate Name: | |TASK | |Evaluate the effectiveness of yourself and the organisation in managing workplace stress and conflict, and plan and implement | |improvements to the identification and approach to dealing with workplace stress and conflict in own area of responsibility. | | | |The 'nominal' word count for this assignment is 2,500 words; the suggested range is between 2,000 and 3,000 words. | | | |Check your assignment carefully prior to submission using the assessment criteria. | |Please use the headings shown below when writing your Assignment |Assessment Criteria | |Understand...
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...Effective Methods of Resolving Conflict in a Diverse Workplace Running head: RESOLVING CONFLICT IN DIVERSE WORKPLACE Your name here Your University name here Table of Contents Abstract 3 Problem Statement 4 Literature Review 10 Draft Research Design 22 References 29 Abstract Workplace conflict must be analyzed as a social phenomenon and this social context means that conflicts are caused by a wide variety of factors, including an increasingly diverse workplace. The focus of this study is on how these forms of social conflict are managed and resolved in the workplace – which has become increasingly more diverse in recent years – with particular attention to innovative perspectives that facilitate better understanding of conflict resolution and improve approaches to conflict management. Managing conflict is undoubtedly one of the most critically important dimensions of the management of the employer-employee relationship. While conflicts or disputes are a natural result of the structure and operations of the workplace, employers need efficient ways to resolve such conflict quickly and fairly to avoid the many negative costs generated by unresolved problems. As the generally weaker party in the relationship, employees need the protection provided by both formal and informal dispute management systems aimed at achieving organizational justice. This issue, as well as many others, is addressed through...
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...EssayAmanda Brown | [Conflict mANAGEMENT] | This essay critiques six journals that have both positive and negative views on Conflict Management. The topic surrounding the essay is that conflict management is a vital tool for managers to have. | Effective conflict management is a vital skill for managers to promote long term progress and stability of an organisation. Conflict is defined as the “process that begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively affected something the first party cares about” (Di Costa, 2011, p42). Conflict management is the process of handling or dealing with the conflict when it arises. There are many different sources of conflict and it comes in many different forms, but the consequences of conflict on workers is generally the same. Over the past few years many strategies and preventions have been developed, this is seen in the five modes of dealing with conflict in the workplace. Culture plays a big part in conflict, resulting in both positive and negative responses to conflict from both individuals and teams as a whole. A number of parties argue that conflict management is not needed or wanted within the workplace, these debates arise for a number of reasons. Workplaces may be shaped by the unique aspects of the environment and when this environment is altered or affected conflict can be the eventuating result. The report “Sources of Conflict within Organisations and the Methods of Conflict Resolution” looks at the different...
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...Management-Devry Conflict Resolution in office romance Professor: Charles Desjardins GM570- Managing conflict in the workplace 11/12/11 Conflict Resolution in office romance Conflict is inevitable. It is a normal way of life. How we as individuals perceive each other depends on our ability to effectively resolve problems and how we cope with managing change. Some of us are unable to adapt to change therefore, it is expected that conflict will occasionally occur. There are different types of conflict that occur in our daily lives as well as in the workplace. However, the topic I choose to discuss as part of this conflict resolution paper is office romance that causes conflict. As we all are aware office romance is very common today in our society. It is no secret that people often find love on the job. There is a level of comfort and closeness that we share with our subordinates that we sometimes tend to fall in love with them. Office romance is dependent on a number of factors. Office romance can have both positive and negative effects on the working environment as well as work performance. It can cause conflict in the workplace, especially if it is a supervisor-subordinate relationship. It can affect the productivity of employees and may lead to sexual harassment and other claims. It can make co-workers uncomfortable and it can be dangerous because it can lead to conflict within the...
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...Abstract There is no question that diversity plays a huge role in the workplace. There are issues with different races and gender, but one that does not seem as talked about is the difference in age. What many do not realize is that assuming all ages work the same way can be detrimental for not only the manager but the worker and company as well. When different age groups are combined to work, without proper accommodation, intergenerational conflict will occur. This is why understanding the different generations, including their values, attitudes and beliefs is important so that this conflict can be avoided. Once the different generations are understood, there are a few things a manager can do to ensure that their team will be able to work effectively. A Diverse Workplace; Creating Effective Cross-Generational Work Teams Generation gaps within the workplace are common and can create serious problems. According to Gregg Hammill, “This is the first time in American history that we have had four different generations working side-by-side in the workplace”. To create an effective cross generational work team, one must first understand the conflict that occurs and why when they are all put together without accommodation. After that, it is important to separately analyze each generation and their values, beliefs, and how they work. It is at that point, that a manager can effectively put together a cross generational team together by understanding and accommodating...
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...Training Presentation: Managing Workplace Conflict Donna Jacobson HRDV 5610 Fall I October 8, 2014 Table of Contents Course Overview………………………………………………………………………………….3 Needs Assessment and Analysis………………………………………………………………..….………4 Outline…………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Evaluation Plan……………………………………………………………………………………8 References………………………………………………………………………………………..12 Course Overview Conflict in the workplace happens every day and with our hectic, ever changing work environment, it is no wonder. Because conflict is so common, each of us needs to develop the skills necessary to manage conflict productively. The good news is, when properly managed, conflict provides a chance for us to learn from each other, to improve our work methods, and to build team solidarity. Target Audience: Professionals in any work environment who wants to hone their conflict resolution skills. Needs Assessment and Analysis Conducting a needs assessment is a vital aspect of training. The most efficient way to identify trainee needs is often by surveying them. I choose to do a survey based on the Likert scale. The survey is below and the responses of the five participants are annotated. 1. I see conflict as an opportunity. Never Sometimes Always 1/ 5 3/5 1/5 2. I address conflict openly, without avoiding or Never Sometimes Always ignoring it. 0/5 4/5 1/5 3. I speak directly to the key person in a conflict Never Sometimes...
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...Numerous studies have performed on the topic of conflict management to identify the most effective strategy of managing conflict in the workplace. Conflict is inevitable as no two individuals have same ideas, attitudes, or actions. Because of these differences, incompatibility or disagreement arises which can harm the individuals as well as the environment. It is important to understand the reasons and types of conflict to resolve it effectively. Pinkley (1990) says that conflict is a process that begins when an individual or group perceives differences and opposition between oneself and another individual or group about interests, beliefs, or values that matter to them. However, Deutsch (1973) and Tosvold (1998) define conflict as an incompatible activity where one person’s action interferes, obstructs, or in some way gets in the way of another’s actions. The focus of the research is the condition that describes conflict as an unmatched activity. Furthermore, Boulding (1962) describes conflict as a situation of competition in which parties are aware of the incompatibility of potential future positions and each party wishes to occupy a position that is incompatible with the wishes of the other. The article also emphasis on the consequences of the incompatibility of the future and provides a comprehensive meaning of conflict. According to Zarankin (2008), conflict is defined as the incompatibility between an individual’s desire and action and those others who create a challenge...
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...Managing Workplace Diversity & The Relationship with Human Resource Management and How Effective It Is Course: Business & Management Submission Date: 03/05/2012 Submitted to Leeds Metropolitan University Word Count:2989 Contents Contents Contents 2 Introduction 3 Diversity 4 Diversity in the Workplace 4 Emergence of Diversity 5 Legislation and Problems they Solve 6 Emergence of Managing Diversity 7 HRM 8 Relationship with Managing Diversity 9 HRM in the UK vs. USA 10 Reasons Supporting HRM 11 Critical Arguments Posed to HRM 11 Recommendations 11 Conclusion 11 References 11 Introduction In this report I will be investigating managing diversity and taking a look at how it has developed and how it has had an impact on everything in life. I will mainly focus on how this has had an effect in the workplace and look at key arguments that support diversity and look at arguments against diversity in the workplace and why this may be considered a negative or a hindrance and most importantly I will look at how successful this has been at helping companies maximise their assets and key areas that I have identified that need to be improved. In the second part of my report I will examine the close links of managing diversity and human resource management (HRM). I will look at factors that support it and arguments that need to be considered when looking at HRM. Diversity Diversity in people can be described as the subtle differences...
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...Managing Conflict in the Workplace By LaQuita Watson Current Issues in Human Resources Dr. Overby April 9, 2008 Conflict management refers to the long-term management of intractable conflicts. It is the label for the variety of ways by which people handle grievances — standing up for what they consider to be right and against what they consider to be wrong. Those ways include such diverse phenomena as gossip, ridicule, lynching, terrorism, warfare, feuding, genocide, law, mediation, and avoidance. Some of the forms of conflict management can be used in any given situation and can be somewhat predicted and explained by the social structure — or social geometry — of the case. Conflict management is not to be confused with conflict resolution which refers to resolving the dispute to the approval of one or both parties, whereas the former — conflict management — concerns an ongoing process that may never have a resolution. For example, gossip and feuds are very common methods of conflict management, but neither entails resolution. Neither is it the same as conflict transformation which seeks to reframe the positions of the conflict parties. Basics of Conflict Management When you are clarifying confusion about conflict you are to know the definition. Conflict is when two or more values, perspectives and opinions are contradictory in nature and haven’t been aligned or agreed about yet. One of the things that...
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...is a reality in today’s workplace, and will only increase in the future. Workplace demographics are shifting, and the number of mature workers will steadily increase in the years to come. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today’s workforce spans four generation: Traditionalist, Baby Boomer, Generation Xers and Millennial. As mature adults remain employed, we increasingly need to understand the strength and challenges inherent in multigenerational workplace and find ways to leverage age diversity. The reality, according to research, is that generations are different in some ways, but similar in many more. More gap than chasm, generation difference has subtle impact, not the dramatic conflicts portrayed in the popular press. Research by Jennifer Deal, Author of Retiring the Generation gap. Clearly, managing a workforce that spans four generation, represents tremendous challenges to the manager that want to be in tune with social trend, progressive thoughts and political correctness. It involves recognizing the value of difference, combating discrimination and legal action against the organization. Devoe 1999. With perception that older workers are dinosaurs when it comes to innovation and technology but are portrayed as loyal and hardworking. Younger workers are viewed as innovative and technological inclined but disrespectful, lazy and egocentric. Taken this view on the face value, these stereotypes can lead to conflict and turmoil in the workplace. Lancaster, Lynne when...
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...CONFLICT T he success or failure of any organization is dependent upon the use of its indigenous, collective energies. When procedures are clear, the "esprit de corps" is high, and the business is said to be productive. But whenever people come together in one setting over a period of time, you can always expect conflict to find itself in the midst. The Webster’s dictionary defines conflict as a sharp disagreement or opposition of interests or ideas but from a more objective perspective, conflict is “a state in which one party perceive that another party has, or is about to negatively impact something that is important to the first party” (Robbins, 2006). The key word to note in this definition is “perceives”. Perceive is a concept that occurs within the mind. It is one’s interpretation of a situation or thing and does not necessarily have to be true. That might explain why on many occasions, a conflict that arises; may be unnecessary or misguided and result in wasted time. Causes of Conflict A s you may discern, the causes of conflict are numerous and each has their own accompanying challenges. Within the organization however, C. Brooklyn Derr in his book Major Causes of Organizational Conflict: Diagnosis for Action, stated that there are six (6) main causes of conflict: 1) The interpersonal disagreements that arise when one person is experiencing individual stress. People bring their whole selves to the workplace and they may...
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...Introduction Workplace violence is any form of cruelty against workers and it can take place either inside the organization or on the outside. Employees or workers usually refer to their workplace as the permanent or temporary site where they carry out any of their job-related responsibilities. Workplace violence can extend from verbal abuse to physical abuse and could even lead to homicide. How do workplace violence incidents affect the productivity of the organization? An organization and/or business number one resource are their employees. Employees are essential to the failure or success of an organization. With that being said, employees must feel safe and secure in their workplace environment in order for them to perform their duties to the best of their ability. Workplace safety should be considered a number one priority in order to maintain a healthy work environment. “Workplace violence costs United States businesses approximately $4.2 billion per year in missed days of work and legal costs”, (Ritchey, 2010, Statistics). Workplace safety should be addressed in our organizations’ regulations, policies and training; however it is everyone’s responsibility within the organization to make certain that all policies are adhered to. “According to a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health publication, on average, 1 .7 million workers are injured each year, and more than 800 die as a result of workplace violence”,(Dillenberger, 2010, paragraph 2). There could be...
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