Week 10 - Conflict Resolution

Question 1

What is workplace conflict?

Answer 1

• May occur at the individual level
• May occur between levels and this is often referred to as a grievance
• most often caused by poor communication

Question 2

Forms of industrial conflict (non-institutional) in Australia

Answer 2

• employee participation and consultative committees (i.e. employee voice mechanisms) to solve an issue
• Mediation i.e. professional fee for service
• Managerial practices e.g. manager takes a proactive role in listening and communicating with employees
• contract negoatiation resulting in (common law) conract of employment

Question 3

Forms of institutional industrial conflict resolution in Australia

Answer 3

• EB under the FW Act 2009 may involve union being a return to collective bargaining
• common law i.e. courts
• tribunals such as the FWC
• other agencies such as the FW Ombudsman

Question 4

Why do some organisations prefer to retain conciliation as a part of conflict resolution?

Answer 4

• collective conciliation can move parties towards a resolution thorugh expertise of an impartial and independent third party
• can be timely and cost-effective
• held on neutral territory
• not outright winner or loser and the problem causing the conflict is solved; even if by arbitration

Question 5

What is a grievance?

Answer 5

• a clear statement, oral or written by a staff member for members of a work related problem concern or complaint

Question 6

What are the rights and responsibilities during grievance procedures?

Answer 6

• confidentiality
• freedom from victimisation and bullying
• fair and impartial process
• assistance with managing grievances
• review or referral process