In: Operations Management
Pauline has been asked to reorganize her department, eliminating at least two people within the office. Pauline has strong personal relationships with everyone in her office and being asked to complete this task is very hard on her. Thinking back to Stage Four of the conflict process, discuss one of the types of intentions with which Pauline might struggle in this situation.
Pauline has been asked to reorganize her department, eliminating at least two people within the office. Pauline has strong personal relationships with everyone in her office and being asked to complete this task is very hard on her. Thinking back to Stage Four of the conflict process, discuss one of the types of intentions with which Pauline might struggle in this situation.
Solution:
The Stage Four, also called as behavior stage, of the conflict process focusesactions, reactions, and statements between the conflicting parties. Pauline might face a dysfunctional conflict and she might have to use conflict management techniques to de-escalate it.Some of the ways Pauline can tackle this are –
a) Problem solving –Pauline should have a face-to-face meeting with the people she eliminates and discuss the situation.
b) Expansion of resources – Paulin can try to get a good exit deal for the employees she eliminates. She can work with her supervisors to provide the eliminated employees a decent severance package as well as recommend them for other positions.
c) Avoidance – If the conflict seems to be getting out of hand, she should avoid it at the right time so that it doesn’t escalate any further.
d) Smoothing – Pauline should try to explain the eliminated employees the situation and give reasons for her actions.
e) Authoritative command –Pauline can involve the HR in the process and have them convey the right command.
f) Altering the structural variables – Pauline should try to find positions for the eliminated employees in some other department within the firm.