Conflict Management And Resolving Grievances

Question 1

What are the approaches to conflict handling?

Answer 1

1) Avoidance- involves ignoring the problem in the hope that it will go away. Dispute
generally doesn’t go away.

2) Power-either or both parties resort using power such as a strike.The use of power does bring a resolution but it is usually damaging to the relationship because the losing party often feels aggrieved.

3) Adjudication/ Enforcement of rights-A third party is involved in deciding who is right. It can be damaging to the employment relationship because there is a winner and a loser.

4) Consensus seeking-This is where parties reach a mutual agreement and solve the problem

Question 2

What are the outcomes of conflict?

Answer 2

a) Lose-Lose- Conflict deteriorates to the point where both parties are worse off than they were before the conflict started

b) Lose -Win- one party perceived that he/she has won while the other party perceived that he/she has lost

c) Win-Win- Both parties perceive that they are in a better position than they were before the conflict began

Question 3

What are the steps in Resolving interpersonal conflict between employees?

Answer 3

a) Stay calm

b) Listen to understand

c) Be tactful

d) Focus on the future, not the past

e) Offer multiple solutions

f) Avoid confrontation