Discussion: Relating Conflict Management Styles to Conflict Management Skills
This week, you will continue to consider conflict management styles as you learn how each style utilizes different modes or strategies to address conflict. These strategies are based on four different factors, all of which HR professionals must be acutely aware of during conflict situations in the workplace. Astrid Baumgardner writes of these in her blog post “Conflict Management Styles: The Start of Effective Conflict Management”:

“Issues – The extent to which important priorities, principles, or values are involved in the conflict
Relationship – The importance of maintaining a close, mutually supportive relationship with the other party [or parties]
Relative Power – The balance of power between you and the other party [or parties]
Available Time – How much time you have to resolve the issue” (Baumgardner, 2012).

Post a cohesive and scholarly response based on your readings and research this week that addresses the following:

Choose two conflict management styles; then, for each, discuss the following:

Explain when, or in what types of conflict situations in the workplace, each of these styles would be appropriate. Include examples.
Describe at least 2 conflict management skills that align with each of these styles. Explain your rationale.
Share ways you can better understand the conflict management style of the other people involved when a workplace conflict involves a human resource professional and an employee or two employees, such as a team leader and a team member.

Learning Resources
Required Readings
Note: Some of the resources this week have been included in a prior week in the course. However, review them again to refresh your thinking as you focus on the relationship between conflict management styles and conflict management strategies.

Habas, C. (2019). 5 conflict management strategies. Retrieved from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-conflict-management-strategies-16131.html

Prause, D., & Mujtaba, B. G. (2015). Conflict management practices for diverse workplaces. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 6(3), 13–22.

Kilmann, R. H. (2011). CPP author insights: Celebrating 40 years with the TKI assessment: A summary of my favorite insights. Retrieved from https://kilmanndiagnostics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/celebratingfortyyears.pdf

Thomas, K. W. (2006). Making conflict management a strategic advantage. White paper, Psychometrics Canada Ltd. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/148e/b85ff31bc3ff5e9171265146777b913e51b5.pdf?_ga=2.250732673.664597252.1576872076-1048192910.1576872076

Note: Pay particular attention to pp. 2–7.

Thakore, D. (2013). Conflict and conflict management. Journal of Business and Management, 8(6), 7–16. Retrieved from http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbm/papers/Vol8-issue6/B0860716.pdf?id=5165

Note: Pay particular attention to pp. 12–13

The Foundation Coalition. (n.d.). Understanding conflict and conflict management. Retrieved from http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au/media/10646/understanding_conflict_and_conflict_management.pdf

Note: Pay particular attention to p. 2

Baumgardner, A. (2012, September 23). Conflict management styles: The start of effective conflict management. Astrid Baumgardner Coaching + Training. Retrieved from https://www.astridbaumgardner.com/blog-and-resources/articles/conflict-management-styles-the-start-of-effective-conflict-management/

McCarthy, D. (2020, January 14). 5 ways to manage conflict in the workplace. The Balance Careers. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/ways-to-manage-conflict-2276062

Moriarty, T. (2018, November 12). The 5 styles of conflict management, Plant Services Articles. Retrieved from https://www.plantservices.com/articles/2018/human-capital-5-styles-of-conflict-management/

Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Sample simulation [Video file]. Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes.

If you have already participated in a Simulation, you do not need to watch this video. However, if this is your first Simulation, please watch this video to orient yourself to this experience. In the video, you will see a sample simulation that takes place between a student, who plays the role of a manager, and two avatars, Max and Grant. This video demonstrates a simulation experience that is similar to the Simulation you will participate in. As you watch this video, keep in mind that Max, the avatar, is playing a different role, and during your Simulation, he will be playing the role of a department manager.


Accessible player 
Optional Resource
Katz, N., & McNulty, K. (1994). Conflict resolution. Retrieved from https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/uploadedFiles/parcc/cmc/Conflict%20Resolution%20NK.pdf

Note: Read pp. 4–5 and 7–9.