Conflict Management In The Workplace

The potential for conflict exists in any environment in which humans interact; and the workplace is no exception. This course provides students with practical tools and knowledge to effectively prevent, mitigate, and resolve various forms of workplace conflict. Students will have opportunities to build their conflict management skills from the perspectives of both (a) an employee looking to address their own interpersonal conflict at work, and as (b) a third party, such as a leader or mediator, assisting work colleagues to resolve the disputes between them. Topics include understanding the theory and context for managing conflict at work, various strategic approaches to conflict, collaborative and interest-based models of resolution at work, and the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to build rapport, handle an impasse, and encourage mutual cooperation for constructive conflict outcomes within the workplace environment.