Homework: Getting Involved
In this Homework, you will watch three videos that demonstrate a workplace conflict between two employees, Cathy and Alberto. You will also hear from their manager, Todd, and his reaction to the conflict. Using the interpersonal communication case study videos provided in this week's Learning Resources, evaluate the role the manager or leader would play in this conflict.
Do you know a leader, manager, or HR professional who has dealt with this type of conflict before? Is there someone in your current workplace, community, or even a friend or family member who could provide you with guidance and personal experience to help you resolve this conflict? Reach out to this person and discuss his or her experience and any advice that person might have for you to manage this conflict. Then, discuss what advice that person provided and if you think it was helpful.
Consider Todd's proposed action of bringing both Alberto and Cathy together to discuss the conflict. As a manager or leader, do you think Todd's proposed action is the right step?
To prepare for this Homework, pay particular attention to the following Learning Resources:
o Review this Learning Resources, especially:
- Interpersonal communication case study: Interpersonal conflict [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
- Interpersonal communication case study: Escalated conflict [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
To complete your Homework,compose a cohesive document that addresses the following:
o Evaluate the role of the manager in this situation. At what point does the manager or leader get involved with this conflict? How could a manager or leader adapt the formal mediation strategies to help manage or resolve this work conflict?
o Outline strategies Todd can use to draft a potential agreement. Define these terms -- fractionation, framing, reframing, and common ground, respectively. Then, outline examples of each that might be included in a mediated agreement.
o What advice did you receive from a knowledgeable person? How were you able to use it in this case? At what point would you refer this to Human Resources or to online resources for formal mediation?
o At what point would you refer this to Human Resources or to online resources for formal mediation? If the HR intervention is not practical or possible, identify 2-3 online resources to propose for formal mediation. Explain why you chose these sources.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.