The Most Effective Approaches for Conflict Management - Assignment Example

 Portfolio Assignment Portfolio Part 1: Recommendation Report on Conflict Management Organizations are composed of people who come from diverse geographic and demographic origins. The diversity in orientation contribute to disparities in beliefs, values, and perspectives. As such, it is common for conflicts to occur and exist in the work setting. It is the responsibility of management to address factors that are deemed contributory to conflicts. Martires and Fule (2004) contended that “the seeds of conflict are sown when an organization differentiates into groups and departments in order to interact more effectively with its environment… Conflicts occur over disagreement as to what the goals should be and how these goals should be achieved” (pp. 277 & 278). It is the objective of this report to recommend on the Most Effective Approaches For Conflict Management. It would initially identify sources of intergroup conflict; prior to presenting the effects of conflict on groups. Finally, conflict resolution and prevention strategies would be expounded as recommendation for effective conflict management. The environment of the organization and the technology shape the nature of relationships among groups, as well as the extent of interdependence that is necessary. Environment and technology together primarily define the dimensions of intergroup relationships that could propagate tendencies for conflicts to occur. As emphasized, “the dimensions of intergroup relationships determine the frequency, intensity, and scope of conflict; where the dimensions include: (1) differences in goals; (2) task interdependence; (3) resource interdependence; (4) incentive and reward system; (5) task ambiguity; (6) differences in personal background and traits; and (7) differences in power and status” [Mar041]. As such, managers have the responsibility to evaluate the root causes of conflicts in the work setting; and be equipped with the knowledge to address and resolve these. If conflicts remain unresolved, chaos would naturally exist. Conflicts within members of a group or among departments would affect the performance and productivity of members; which in turn, would be detrimental in the achievement of organizational goals. Conflicts could cause a decline in productivity, absenteeism, miscommunication, low morale, and inability to achieve goals effectively. As such, conflicts are costly and could impair the generation of profits. To resolve conflicts, management must be aware of different conflict resolution strategies. The various ways to resolve conflicts include: (1) use of authority; (2) avoidance; (3) smoothing; (4) compromising; (5) problem-solving; (6) third party mediation; and (7) intergroup training [Mar041]. The kind of conflict resolution technique that must be applied would depend on the conflicting parties; as well as on the situation. It is therefore more plausible to exert efforts at preventing conflicts than trying to resolve them. According to Schein (1980), there are four ways of preventing conflicts in the work setting. These prevention strategies include: (1) emphasison total organizational effectiveness; (2) communication among groups; (3) rotation of members; and (4) avoiding win-lose situations [Sch801]. Overall, it is highly recommended that managers be trained on conflict prevention and resolution stategies to assist them in managing conflicts in the work setting. Communication plays a crucial role in ensuring that urgent issues and concerns are immediately addressed and that messages are clearly understood, as intended. Part 2: complaint letter, letter to the editor, and reference letter Complaint Letter To The Customer Relations Manager Always New Computer Company Address Dear Sir, I recently purchased a brand new Acer Aspire R7 for for $1,499 from your company. I was excited to use it due to the advanced features and functionality that is advertised to be capable of. However, when I started using it, I discovered that the keyboard is defective, especially since some of the keys got stuck and others do not work when I type on the needed letters, particularly letters ‘j’ and ‘d’. I am so disappointed considering that I paid so much for this model. Aside from the defective keyboard, I also noticed that the unit that you provided me had a lot of scratches at the right side, which were not obvious when it was demonstrated to me by your customer sales representative. I was promised that I would be given a completely brand new unit but apparently, I believe that this unit has already been slightly used. In this regard, I would like to request a full refund for the amount that I have paid for the Acer Aspire R7 amounting to $1,499. Otherwise, I demand that the unit be replaced by a completely brand new unit that is totally free from defects. I had been a frequent and loyal customer of your computer company and I had expected full satisfaction and product guarantee. Apparently, your customer sales representative had been remiss in his duty of ensuring that the product is free from defects prior to be released to the customer. I therefore expect your immediate action in this regard. I could be reached in any of the following contact numbers: 7654322 or through my email address: customerabc@yahoo.com. Sincerely, Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, In the article entitled “Homework Loads Haven't Changed Much in 30 Years” written by Bidwell (2014), the author disputed the allegation that students have been increasingly burdened with homework loads in contemporary times. On the contrary, the information that was disclosed revealed that homework assigned to students remained fairly the same within the last three decades. It is therefore an indication that the educational system fails to assess if there really is a need to revise the load for providing homework to students according to their academic needs. One agrees with the assertion of an assistant professor, Tony Frontier, who quipped that “regardless of the amount of time students spend on homework, it's the quality and purpose that matters” (Bidwell, 2014, par. 11). There could be a need to closely evaluate the time spent for doing homework in terms of determining the academic requirements needed to be complied; as well as the subject matter. Some subjects could be more challenging to some students, like Mathematics or English, depending on the skills and competencies on these areas. As such, one affirms that it is high time that the Department of Education should make a more comprehensive study for the need to increase or decrease homework load to meet the changing academic needs of students in contemporary times. The use of technological applications could be integrated in the study to determine whether the electronic medium actually assists in improving academic performance in the long run. Sincerely, Reference Letter I have been informed by Ronald Smith that he is applying for the position of a manager in your prestigious organization. I have known Ronald for more than six years in the capacity of his immediate boss as the Vice President of Sales for Total Health Organization. Ronald had been an exemplary sales manager for the last three years. Ronald started as a sales representative and rose through the ranks due to his exemplary performance. He has consistently surpassed the monthly sales quota for the health products that our organization manufactures. Likewise, he had exuded commendable qualities as a member of the sales team and in terms of addressing the needs of the clientele. In addition, he pursued higher education and finally completed an MBA degree which makes him competent and duly qualified for the managerial position. I remember him to be proficient in various software programs. Likewise, he possesses exemplary communication skills; as well as conflict negotiation and resolution skills. His leadership and problem solving skills were also above average. Finally, as needed in the job as a manager, Ronald have been known to exhibit people skills and have exemplified a tranformational leadership style. I am confident that he would be the perfect person who would fit your requirements as a manager of your organization. Should you require more information about Ronald, I could be reached at any of the following contact numbers: 12356890 and email address: referring@yahoo.com. Sincerely, References Mar041: , (Martires & Fule, 2004, pp. 284-289), Mar041: , (Martires & Fule, 2004), Sch801: , (Schein, 1980, p. 179), Read More