Assignment Task:
Develop a 3 page plan to identify the causes of organizational conflict, explain how conflict affects an organization, and select a conflict resolution style to use. Explain conflict negotiation strategies and determine the likely outcomes.
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped the workplace by necessitating a rapid shift to remote work for many employees worldwide. To mitigate the spread of the virus, governments implemented lockdowns and social distancing measures. Employers responded by closing offices and transitioning employees to remote work to reduce physical interactions. Many businesses had already adopted cloud computing, video conferencing, and collaboration tools, which facilitated remote work capabilities. This technological infrastructure enabled employees to continue their work remotely without significant interruptions.
Initially viewed as a temporary solution, remote work quickly became a long-term strategy as the pandemic persisted. Companies recognized its feasibility and benefits, such as increased flexibility, productivity in some cases, and reduced overhead costs associated with maintaining office spaces.
Recently companies have begun implementing "return to office" protocols, which have received mixed responses from employees. While some employees appreciate in-person collaboration and the opportunity to build stronger relationships in-person, many employees cite work-life balance, flexibility, and cost savings as arguments for the continuance of remote employment.
The Importance of Negotiation:
Disagreements occur because people have differences of opinions, values, and goals. Solutions to disagreements require negotiation skills. Negotiations can be either competitive ("I want my goals met and I don't care about yours") or integrative ("We have to reach a mutually satisfying conclusion") (Hocker, Berry, & Wilmot, 2022, p. 285). While negotiating, the parties should brainstorm to invent new and creative options to meet everyone's needs (Hocker, Berry, & Wilmot, 2022, p. 310).
Reference:
Hocker, J. L., Berry K., & Wilmot, W. W. (2022). Interpersonal conflict (11th ed.).
McGraw-Hill.
Instruction:
Review the following scenario and develop conflict resolution strategies for employees:
You are part of a Human Resources team for ABC Manufacturing, a mid-sized manufacturing company based in downtown Chicago that transitioned to a fully remote work model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Departments include production, purchasing, marketing, technical, accounting, HR, and customer service. The employee workforce is diverse in terms of culture, socioeconomic status, age, and gender. For over two years, employees have successfully worked from home, utilizing digital tools and platforms to collaborate and maintain productivity. However, the company's leadership has decided that it is essential for team cohesion and innovation to return to an in-office work model. A new policy mandates that all employees must return to the office five days a week, starting next month.
The CEO, Lisa Morgan, sent an email to all employees announcing the new return-to-office policy. The email highlights the perceived benefits of in-person collaboration, including improved communication, stronger team relationships, and enhanced creativity. The policy will take effect in one month, giving employees time to adjust their schedules and make necessary arrangements.
- Positive Reaction: Some employees, like Mark from the marketing team, are excited about the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues face-to-face and believe that in-person meetings will lead to more dynamic brainstorming sessions.
- Negative Reaction: Others, like Jane from the technical team, are frustrated by the change. Jane has relocated to a different city during the remote work period, and commuting to the office five days a week would be highly inconvenient and costly.
What strategies can you implement that address employee concerns and reduce friction?
Developing a Change Management Plan:
- Outline a step-by-step plan for implementing the proposed conflict resolution strategies.
- Include a timeline for the plan's execution and the roles of different stakeholders in this process.
- Discuss how the company will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the conflict resolution strategies.
Format:
- Submit 3-4 typed, double-spaced pages, not including title and reference pages.
- Use 12-point, Times New Roman font.
- Include a title page and reference page.
- Cite at least three current scholarly or professional resources.