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Initiating Conflict Resolution

 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

4.4 stars
Content Quality: 4.4 stars
Effectiveness: 4.4 stars
Ease of Use: 4.4 stars
Reviewed: Apr 15, 2003 by Business Editorial Board
Overview: This module introduces students to the conflict resolution process. It focuses
on initiating a win-win approach to resolving conflict by providing a model for
utilizing a win-win process. Students also learn about ?I? statements that
focus on BCF (behavior, consequences, and feelings) as these are presented as a
key element in the win-win conflict resolution process. The module contains 12
slides that challenge students in the field to understand ways to structure
opening statements that are effective in reducing potential for conflict and
lead to constructive outcomes.


Learning Goals: The major goal of this site is to not only introduce students to the conflict
resolution process, but to also provide some practical steps to assist them in
achieving a win-win solution to a conflict along with an opportunity to practice
utilizing a problem solving approach to conflict resolution. It shows students
the value of developing effective opening statements that require consideration
of addressing the behaviors that have created tension/conflict, one?s feelings
about the conflict/tension, and consequences for all parties.
Target Student Population: The target population is undergraduate management students in Principles of
Management or Organizational Behavior courses. It would likely be best utilized
in lower level (100/200 level) courses. It would also be of value in
supervisory training and workforce development.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: No specific prerequisites required, but an introduction to the role of conflict
in the organization would put this material into a more effective context.
Exposure to basic organizational behavior and motivation concepts, practices,
and theories and psychology associated with internal and external locus of
control and disciplinary/grievance systems would be helpful.

Type of Material: Tutorial
Recommended Uses: This material would be best used as a homework assignment or for professional
development. It is an excellent link to maintain for an instructor?s web page
of web resources.

Technical Requirements: Standard internet browser. It also requires a Flash plug-in which can be
accessed from the link.


Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 4.4 stars
Strengths: This module is interesting because it provides students with first of all, a
?prescription? on how to deal with conflict in a win-win manner. We often
discuss the importance of resolving situations so that all parties are
satisfied, but we rarely provide students with a methodology to help them
achieve these sorts of outcomes. It also provides students with an opportunity
to analyze and write their own BCF statements, which are identified as a key
element in achieving a win-win resolution to a conflict.
Concerns: Effectively managing conflict is an essential element to ensure a
high-performing organization. While the material provided here is interesting,
more context information must be provided about the role of conflict in the
organization. While clearly this is is not the goal of this module, it is
important that instructors understand that while this is a great tool for
practicing a win-win approach to conflict resolution, it can not stand on its
own.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 4.4 stars
Strengths: The best part of this module is the fact that the student is able to
practice/apply what he or she is learning. There are 5 BCF statements that the
student can evaluate for their accuracy, as well as 5 BCF statements that they
must re-write into complete, effective statements. This allows users to apply
what they are being exposed to and react to situations that require they
construct responses that articulate behaviors with consequences and feelings in
an interactive and experiential manner. There is also a function
that allows students to send their completed work to their instructor. This
would make for a great homework assignment.
Concerns: Again, the main concern is that this information must be put into context in the
larger area of managing organizational conflict.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 4.4 stars
Strengths: The module is engaging, easy to use, and interactive. The information is
presented clearly and concisely.
Concerns: I initially had a little trouble ?dragging? the categories on my BCF statements
but I did eventually figure that out.

Other Issues and Comments: This is a simple and effective tutorial to use in discussions about resolving
conflict. It provides foundations that can be employed to consider behaviors,
consequences, and feelings when creating opening statements when confronting
conflict.
Comments from Author: The author acknowledges the work of the Wisconsin Online Resource Center in helping to prepare the learning object.
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