Understanding Conflict

Overview/Description
 This course is geared to give learners a thorough understanding of conflict through a wide variety of everyday examples. Upon completion, learners will understand that conflict is inevitable in human relationships and is not something to be feared. They will understand the primary reasons conflicts occur and realize that conflict often produces positive changes that can actually benefit them and their organizations. They will learn to watch out for conflict escalation, recognize and use three unilateral conflict-resolution strategies to put an early end to conflict.

Target Audience
 Managers, supervisors, project team leaders, and staff personnel who must manage conflict in a positive manner.

Expected Duration
2.5 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Analyzing Conflict

  • recognize the importance of analyzing conflict as a first step to resolving it.
  • differentiate between a conflict and a disagreement.
  • identify the correct approach to a conflict situation.

    • The Two Faces of Conflict

  • recognize the value of understanding both faces of conflict.
  • identify the possible beneficial outcomes of conflict.
  • identify the occasions when conflict has a negative impact on people and their organizations.

    • Unilateral Conflict-Resolution Strategies

  • recognize the importance of the three unilateral conflict-resolution strategies.
  • identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of yielding as a strategy in a given conflict situation.
  • identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of withdrawal as a strategy in a given conflict situation.
  • identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of inaction as a strategy in a given conflict situation.

    • Course Number: MGMT0221