COMM 4170-01: Applied Organizational Communication Instructor: Dan Lair Day Twenty Two: Conflict November 9, 2005

Today’s Agenda Reading/Topic Change for Next Monday Sign up for Group Meeting Time Organizational Conflict Elements Tips for Assessing Conflict Group Consultation Discussion of Case Studies.

Scheduling Group Consultation Meetings Tuesday, Nov. 15 2:00 3:30 5:00 6:30 Tuesday, Nov. 22 2:00 3:30 5:00 6:30

Diagnosing Organizational Conflict: Organizational Element Organizational Culture: What are the norms for dealing with conflict? Third-Party Representation: Are other parties involved? Leadership: Are there good/bad examples of conflict management? Reward Structures: Do rewards match behaviors? Conflict Management Procedures: How are individuals required to handle conflict? External Environment: What economic and/or cultural context is the organization located in?

Diagnosing Organizational Conflict: Tips for Assessment Doing Interviews Don’t assign fault Explore perceptions Criticism-Opposite Rule Look for Interests Subtle Intervention: Reframe! Doing Observation Focus on observable behavior Look for patterns Look for “blips” Trust your feelings Follow up hunches Secondary sources

Group Consultation/Case Studies I will circle around between groups to discuss the status of your group project. In the meantime, work together with your group to diagnose the conflict in each case study, using the worksheets provided. At the end of the class, turn the worksheets in as an in-class activity. We will regroup as a class to discuss the case studies.