Conflict resolution - Essay Example

The subject of conflict resolution is and will always remain vital despite the organizational philosophy adopted for mediating worker-worker relationship (Daniel, 2001). Furthermore, because of increased global competition and attendant demand to increase profitability by reducing the bottom line; it is a fact worth noting that conflict in the modern workplace is more than ever likely to be attributable to both in-fighting over limited resources bases within and between firm units and lessened opportunities for stable employment(Daniel, 2001).

In writing about conflict resolution, Daniel discussed about three conflict resolution theories which include: power contests, rights contest and interest reconciliation. In this paper, the main focus will be on interest reconciliation as a way of resolving conflict. In trying to understand ways for resolving conflict, the paper will use the 1926 United Kingdom general strike as an example. Discussion Interest reconciliation, according to Daniel, is one of the best methods for solving either personally or at organizational level.

The interest reconciliation theory involves a crucial step of recognizing potential for conflict of interest. In many instances, effective conflict resolution can make a difference between negative and positive outcomes (Daniel, 2001). The following is some viable steps that arise from interest reconciliation as a way of resolving conflict, as lifted from the works of Daniel (2001). This mostly applies to organization or government institutions as the case of 1926 UK conflict. Develop a clear policy on disclosure, so that all the stakeholders know what outside interest must be divulged.

This is necessary because sometimes affected parties might have not recognized the conflict or did not reveal it in good time. Distribute this information or policy to each and every that is affected by the conflict either directly or indirectly. This will make the information available to the world at large. Keep the policy proportionate. For example, it may arise that a person who has a conflicting interest should just dislodge himself from a decision-making process or a particular meeting.

The next step is to develop a clear policy that will handle the situation by ensuring that a person does not disclose conflicting interest. The 1926 UK general strike was a general strike that lasted nine days. It was a conflict between general council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the British government. The main area of conflict was the demand by the TUC to force the government to prevent the wage reduction and worsening conditions for 800,000 locked-out coal miners. The workers maintained resistance for a few months before their own economic demands forced them to go back to the mines.

On May 1926, the trade union congress announced that the strike was called off after a return to work formula was developed between them and the British government. This was after thorough consultation with the concerned parties and after some interest has been satisfied. As can be noted, the above example is true description of how interest reconciliation can be used to resolve conflicts. Both the TUC and the British government had different interest at first. However, with the emergence of conflict, they were forced to reconcile their