Question

Identifying the problem between co-workers is the first step to determine the course of action to resolve a conflict. It is important to understand the difference between bullying, harassment and domestic violence in the workplace. The HR manager may be tasked with both developing corporate policies of behavior prohibiting such behaviors and resolving the conflicts. Many times unequal power fuels the conflict. The manner in which the company responds contributes to the ethical nature of the company.

Please identify a workplace conflict from current events or recent events that exemplify bullying, harassment or domestic violence in the workplace that involves unequal power between the parties. Analyze how unequal power may have contributed to the conflict. What are the ethical considerations when resolving a conflict with unequal power? Why is it critical to the business productivity that these conflicts are resolved quickly and efficiently?

Answer 1

Example of harassment at the work place:

A manager calls his sub ordinate and give him pending work of his(manager's) favorite sub ordinate. Manager is not giving good rating in PMS in spite giving good performance by the sub ordinate. Same manager told the sub ordinate to bring vegetables for the manager's home. Manager is not approving leave application of the sub ordinate in spite of giving the genuine reason by the sub ordinate.

If we consider a single manager who is treating a particular sub ordinate in the above described fasion then it is called a kind of harassment.

Here we can understand that both manager and sub ordinate work at the same place and manager has more powers than the sub ordinate, that's why he is behaving like this with the sub ordinate. So, it is the case of unequal power.

Now let's discuss how unequal power can create conflict, we can write following points to understand:

• Wrong practice of more power may lead to dissatisfaction, thus resulting in conflict.
• Person who is facing the effects of wrong practice of power may lead to low self esteem, thus resulting in inner conflict.
• A person can raise his voice against the harassment or bullying or domestic violence by complaining, this may result in conflict.
• Wrong practice of power against a person can be analysed by other people also again may result in conflict.
• These conflicts due to unequal power may lead to low performance and productivity for the individual and the business, thus resulting in conflicts of high level.

So, this is how unequal power or wrong pray of power may contribute to conflicts at the workplace.

If these kinds of conflicts happen at the workplace and human resource manager or other concerned person come to know about the issue or conflict, then following ethical considerations should be taken while resolving the conflicts:

• If any complain is there then ethically one on one meeting should be called with both the parties to know the facts.
• Ethically no publicity of the conflict or complain should be done at the workplace.
• Matter should be kept silent if possible and should be resolved fairly.
• Both the parties involve in the conflict should be treated fairly.
• Ethically there should be no discrimination while resolving the issue or conflict.
• After understanding the reason of conflict both the parties should be called for a meeting to find out the possible solution.
• If any action needs to be taken against the party in fault then the action should be taken in private to maintain the decorum.
• Ethically, a warning should be given to the party found in fault instead of giving direct punishment.

So, these are some ethical considerations which should keep in mind while resolving a conflict.

It is very important to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently because:

• Conflicts, if not resolved in time then may hamper the productivity of business.
• Conflicts may spoil the healthy working atmosphere of the organization, which is not good for business.
• Sometimes, conflicts may lead to formation of groups, which may affect the team work negatively and this is not good for business.
• Conflicts, if not resolved quickly and efficiently, may lead to other serious conflicts, which can affect productivity.
• Employee job satisfaction is an important key for better productivity, conflicts, if not resolved efficiently, may lead to job dissatisfaction thus affecting productivity.
• For better productivity and overall performance, conflicts should be resolved efficiently and asap.
• To avoid any kind of workplace violence, conflicts should be resolved efficiently and quickly.
• A healthy working environment with no conflicts among the workforce leads to increased business productivity and profitability. So, conflicts should be resolved efficiently and quickly in order keep the working atmosphere healthy.

So, this is why quick and efficient solution of conflicts is critical to business productivity.

If you like the answer then kindly give good ratings this will motivate me to answer well. Thanking you.