COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ACCOUNTANCY

Name: Althea Zaire D. Joseph

Title: Conflict Management

Introduction

Conflict Management is a critical skill in today's dynamic

work environments. It's like navigating a ship through a storm;

the ability to manage conflicts can mean the difference between

reaching your destination or being lost at sea. In our

exploration of this subject, we delved into various aspects

such as managing change and resolving conflict, collaborative

communication, how managers can apply emotional intelligence,

handling difficult employee behavior, handling workplace

conflict, and resolving disputes within the workplace. Change

management and conflict resolution are closely linked, as

change often triggers resistance and conflicts. Managers must

be skilled at communicating the necessity for change, involving

stakeholders, and addressing the concerns and conflicts that

arise. Collaborative communication is another key aspect of

conflict management. Managers need to actively listen, express

thoughts clearly, and encourage open dialogue. This fosters a

culture of transparency and mutual respect, which is crucial

for resolving conflicts effectively. Emotional intelligence,

the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and

understand others', is a critical tool for navigating conflicts

and building stronger team relationships. It enables managers

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to empathize with their team members, understand their

perspectives, and address their concerns effectively. Handling

challenging employee behavior, such as absenteeism and

insubordination, is another important aspect of conflict

management. Managers need to employ strategies like active

listening, constructive feedback, and appropriate disciplinary

actions to address these issues. Lastly, negotiations play a

significant role in resolving disputes and managing conflicts.

Managers need negotiation skills to find mutually beneficial

solutions and reach satisfying agreements, aiming for a win-win

solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

However, conflict management can be challenging. It can be

emotionally draining, time-consuming, and require consistent

patience, understanding, and empathy (Fisher et al.,2011). Not

all conflicts can be resolved amicably, and some may escalate,

leading to a toxic work environment and negatively impacting

team morale and productivity. That's why it's crucial to

understand that conflict needing resolution isn't inherently

positive or negative. It can lead to both beneficial and

detrimental results (Rispens, S., & Demerouti, E., 2016). While

it can cause harm, it can also serve a constructive purpose in

our personal growth and in our relationships, be they personal

or professional. The important point is to manage the conflict,

not to suppress conflict and not to let conflict escalate out

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of control. Many of us have a natural tendency to avoid

conflict when it arises. There may be a variety of reasons for

this - fear of confrontation, discomfort with disagreement, or

the desire to maintain a peaceful environment when conflict is

essential for motivation and creativity (Wertheim, 2020).

Implications

As a student, learning to manage conflicts effectively can

significantly enhance my academic experience. It helps me

communicate more effectively, fostering healthier relationships

with peers and teachers. For instance, during group projects,

conflicts are almost inevitable. However, with effective

conflict management skills, I can ensure these conflicts are

resolved in a way that maintains team cohesion and ensures the

successful completion of the project. Moreover, conflict

management enhances my problem-solving abilities. It teaches me

to view conflicts not as obstacles, but as opportunities to

find creative solutions and learn from different perspectives.

In terms of my future career, conflict management is an

invaluable skill. In any professional setting, conflicts can

arise, whether it's a disagreement with a colleague, a

challenge in meeting a client's needs, or differing views on a

project within a team. Employers highly value individuals who

can handle conflicts diplomatically and find win-win solutions.

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Recommendations

Conflict Management, an essential skill in our

interconnected society, is of great importance in both personal

and professional settings. Yet, like any other field of study,

there's always potential for further development and

improvement. One effective method for this is the integration

of technology. In this digital era, technology has infiltrated

every aspect of our lives, including conflict resolution. The

course could be enhanced by a section focusing on the effective

use of technology in conflict resolution, exploring tools like

virtual mediation or online negotiation platforms that can

streamline conflict resolution processes. Another aspect is

mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged,

can be a potent tool in conflict management. It can enable

individuals to respond to conflicts in a more thoughtful and

less reactive way. Incorporating mindfulness techniques into

the course could be beneficial, including practical exercises

that help students develop mindfulness and apply it in conflict

situations. While the course may already discuss various

conflict management styles, a more in-depth exploration of the

strengths and weaknesses of each style could be valuable. This

could involve a self-assessment for students to identify their

own conflict management style and guidance on when to use

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different styles depending on the situation, promoting

understanding, and fostering stronger relationships.

Conclusion

This Conflict Management course has taught me that

managing conflicts effectively is not just about resolving

disagreements but also about fostering understanding, respect,

and collaboration. It has highlighted the importance of

emotional intelligence, active listening, and open

communication in navigating conflicts. Moreover, it has

underscored the value of viewing conflicts not as obstacles but

as opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger

relationships. As I move forward in my academic and

professional journey, I am confident that the skills and

insights I have gained from this course will serve me well,

enabling me to contribute positively to any team or

organization I am part of.

Reference

Fisher, R., Ury, W. L., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to yes:

Negotiating agreement without giving in. https:// Getting-
Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757
Rispens, S., & Demerouti, E. (2016). Conflict at work, negative
emotions, and performance: A diary study. Negotiation and
Conflict Management Research, 9(2), 103-119.

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Wertheim, E. (2020). Negotiations and Resolving Conflicts: an

Overview. BMJ, 1(3091),455456.https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.
1.3091.455-a

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