Conflict
Management HRM624
VU
Lesson
10
DESCRIBING
THE CONFLICT II
Quotation
"Well
begun is half done". Aristotle
"All
men have an instinct for
conflict: at least, all healthy men."
Hilaire
Belloc
Conflict,
mistrust, insecurity, individualism,
and competition are buzz
words of today's social,
economic life.
These
concepts depict relationships. If you
understand the anatomy of these
relationships, you can
enjoy
personal,
work, and social
life.
Step
1 for Conflict Diagnosis
The
first step towards conflict
diagnosis is the description of
conflict.
Putting
the situation or conflict in words will
help clarify it in your
mind.
Developing
a conflict map or sociogram
will help understand the
nature of conflict.
A
sociogram is a diagram or chart
that shows individuals and
their relationships to one
another.
Focus
of conflict
When
focusing on a dispute, it is useful to
identify other conflicts involved in the
dispute.
Usually
several interpersonal conflicts are
involved but they are hidden.
The focus on one conflict in
a
dispute
can change the total situation;
and ultimately the resolution of the
conflict will also
change
significantly.
Write
down or map your conflict
and sleep over it for
about at least 12 hours. It
will help clarify
hidden
conflicts.
Conflict:
interpersonal or intrapersonal
Understand the
nature of conflict: is it interpersonal or
intrapersonal?
Example:
Divergent views of a father
and son. The son
wants to pursue a career
based on his understanding
about
his own limitations while
the father wants a hi fi career
for his son. Both want the
good career for the
boy;
there is no inter-personal conflict. It is
actually an intrapersonal conflict. The
conflict is within the
person
of the boy. He misinterprets the feelings
of his father and thought
about the existence of conflict
between
him and his father.
Sale
of a product as conflict
Company
S wants to sell its product
(a chip) to company B (mobile phone
manufacturer). It is an example
given in
your textbook. Although it is a
western example but can
apply in the context of companies
in
Pakistan.
You as an employer of a company may
have to face such a
situation.
Summary
Comprehensive
description of a conflict can provide an
edge to the negotiator who is better
prepared by
having
conflict map or a sociogram. It
can provide alternative ways of
reaching a conclusion or
agreement.
The
pertinent attitude and understanding of
conflict can help you
succeed in your career and
personal life.
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