Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Ganit Poleg-Spark Conflict Management for HDR students: practical steps to negotiate solutions 23 May 2016

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Overview  Fred and Mary  Preventing, managing and resolving conflict.  Where to go for help  Policies and procedures  Conclusion

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Fred and Mary  Fred is the supervisor, Mary is the student  Fred group: chat about what is important to Fred as the supervisor  Mary group: chat about what is important to Mary as the student

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Fred and Mary Discuss in your groups:  What makes a good supervisor?  What makes a high performing researcher/supervisee?  What are the inherent challenges in supervision relationship?

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict  What is conflict? The tension created in the gap between parties’ perceptions, values, needs, interests or concerns

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict  Sources of conflict Lack of information Role incompatibility Research conditions Apparent lack of shared goals Past issues Problem solving difficulties Personal differences Cultural differences

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict  Conflict is destructive when it: Diverts energy from more important issues and tasks Deepens differences in values Polarises groups so that cooperation is reduced Destroys the morale of people and their wellbeing Increase disengagement and harms motivation  Conflict is constructive when it: Exposes issues of importance, resulting in issue clarification and better decision making People learn more about each other Increases intimacy Increases individual involvement/ engagement Stimulates creative and innovative thinking

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J The benefits and risks of conflict* 1.The Goldilocks Principle 2.“God keep me from a (supervision) that goes well” Lesser,1983 *Based on Yerkes-Dodson Law, 1908

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict Escalation (Glasl 1996) Behaviour Raised voices Stop listening Focus on blaming/shaming instead of resolving Asserting power/Threatening Defensiveness, not taking responsibility Cutting off someone Not dealing with the issue Contempt Insults, Ignoring, Dismissive

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict in supervision  Research project – ownership, experiences, plagiarism  Financial – grant application  Professional relationship – expectations, hierarchies  Personalities – attitudes, motivation, self esteem, satisfaction  Skills – academic, language, time management  Culture – misunderstandings, background, language  External – associate supervisor, others

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict: prevention  Clarify and manage expectations – outcomes focus and meetings, roles, obligations, process for cancelling meetings, changing timelines etc  Normalise conflicts - as natural part of human interaction and inherent part of supervision  Anticipate conflicts (including feedback) and agree on how they will be resolved  Identify issues at the earliest opportunity and work to resolve them at the lowest appropriate level  Communicate effectively – raise issues, take notes and confirm your understanding, be willing to listen and be willing to change your mind

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict: management  Lowest appropriate level Supervisor Chair of Thesis Committee Head of Enrolling Area (Coordinator Graduate Research) PVC Associate DVC Graduate Studies  Complaints Policy

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict Behavioural Style COMPETITION (Offensive, aggressive, misusing power) COLLABORATION (Both parties can express their needs and values) COMPROMISE (meeting in the middle, search for a solution) AVOIDANCE (Ignoring, do not deal with the issues) ACCOMODATION (Agreement, confirming) Assertiveness Cooperation *Thomas Kilman, 1975

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J The action- reaction cycle

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict: management  Recognise your conflict style  Take your time – avoid addressing the issue while angry  Ask yourself ‘what outcome am I hoping for?’ and ‘what would I like for the future?’ and decide how/whether to approach the matter with that outcome in mind  Take a break  Ask for help – friend, internal support, external support  Make it easy for them to say yes  Use I statements  Listen  Enquire

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Difficult Conversations Model  Check your purpose and decide whether the raise the issue  Start with a “Third Story” – What we have in common  Ask about their perception – What/ How open ended questions  LISTEN  Explain your perception of the situation, and your perception of the difference without blame!!  Problem solve together – ask them for help to manage the difference  Make commitments, confirm understandings  Thank the other

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict: resolution  Resolve it yourselves  Resolve it at the next level  Ask for help  Facilitated conversation  Mediation  Other

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Conflict: management  Lowest appropriate level Associate DVC, Research Training Pro Vice Chancellor Head of Enrolling Area (Coordinator Graduate Research) * Chair Thesis Committee Supervisor Complaints handling process at Curtin Ombudsman * Seeking the advice and services of the conflict resolution consultants is highly recommended.

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Policies and procedures  Rules: Section 15 Grievance Procedures Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research Rule 11: Degree of Master by Research  Policy Complaints Policy  Student Charter  Values and signature behaviours  Academic misconduct

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Help (if you need it)  Curtin University Postgraduate Association (CUPSA)  Conflict Management and Strategies Consultant  Student Assist at the Guild (including non members) Student Wellbeing Hotline Counselling Service

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Summary  Earliest opportunity, lowest appropriate level  Be willing to change your mind  Keep your desired and reality tested outcome in mind  Behave in accordance with the Student Charter and the Curtin Values  Treat others with respect  Recognise difference  Invite others’ views

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Why truly innovative science demands a leap into the unknown / Prof. Uri Alon, TED, 2013