Conflict Negotiation and Resolution 37

Develop a 3 page plan to identify the causes of organizational conflict, explain how
conflict affects an organization, and select a conflict resolution style to use. Explain
conflict negotiation strategies and determine the likely outcomes.

Introduction:.
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped the workplace by necessitating a rapid
shift to remote work for many employees worldwide. To mitigate the spread of the virus,
governments implemented lockdowns and social distancing measures. Employers
responded by closing offices and transitioning employees to remote work to reduce
physical interactions. Many businesses had already adopted cloud computing, video
conferencing, and collaboration tools, which facilitated remote work capabilities. This
technological infrastructure enabled employees to continue their work remotely without
significant interruptions.

Initially viewed as a temporary solution, remote work quickly became a long-term
strategy as the pandemic persisted. Companies recognized its feasibility and benefits,
such as increased flexibility, productivity in some cases, and reduced overhead costs
associated with maintaining office spaces.

Recently companies have begun implementing “return to office” protocols, which have
received mixed responses from employees. While some employees appreciate
in-person collaboration and the opportunity to build stronger relationships in-person,
many employees cite work-life balance, flexibility, and cost savings as arguments for the
continuance of remote employment.

The Importance of Negotiation

Disagreements occur because people have differences of opinions, values, and goals.
Solutions to disagreements require negotiation skills. Negotiations can be either
competitive (“I want my goals met and I don’t care about yours”) or integrative (“We
have to reach a mutually satisfying conclusion”) (Hocker, Berry, & Wilmot, 2022, p. 285).
While negotiating, the parties should brainstorm to invent new and creative options to
meet everyone’s needs (Hocker, Berry, & Wilmot, 2022, p. 310).

Reference

Hocker, J. L., Berry K., & Wilmot, W. W. (2022). Interpersonal conflict (11th ed.).
McGraw-Hill.

Instruction:
Review the following scenario and develop conflict resolution strategies for employees:

You are part of a Human Resources team for ABC Manufacturing, a mid-sized
manufacturing company based in downtown Chicago that transitioned to a fully remote
work model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Departments include production,
purchasing, marketing, technical, accounting, HR, and customer service. The employee
workforce is diverse in terms of culture, socioeconomic status, age, and gender. For
over two years, employees have successfully worked from home, utilizing digital tools
and platforms to collaborate and maintain productivity. However, the company’s
leadership has decided that it is essential for team cohesion and innovation to return to
an in-office work model. A new policy mandates that all employees must return to the
office five days a week, starting next month.

The CEO, Lisa Morgan, sent an email to all employees announcing the new
return-to-office policy. The email highlights the perceived benefits of in-person
collaboration, including improved communication, stronger team relationships, and
enhanced creativity. The policy will take effect in one month, giving employees time to
adjust their schedules and make necessary arrangements.

● Positive Reaction: Some employees, like Mark from the marketing team,
are excited about the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues face-to-face
and believe that in-person meetings will lead to more dynamic
brainstorming sessions.

● Negative Reaction: Others, like Jane from the technical team, are frustrated
by the change. Jane has relocated to a different city during the remote work
period, and commuting to the office five days a week would be highly
inconvenient and costly.

What strategies can you implement that address employee concerns and reduce
friction?

Developing a Change Management Plan

● Outline a step-by-step plan for implementing the proposed conflict
resolution strategies.

● Include a timeline for the plan’s execution and the roles of different
stakeholders in this process.

● Discuss how the company will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the
conflict resolution strategies.

Format:

● Submit 3–4 typed, double-spaced pages, not including title and reference
pages.

● Use 12-point, Times New Roman font.
● Include a title page and reference page.
● Cite at least three current scholarly or professional resources.

Competencies Measured:

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in
the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

● Competency 1: Identify variables within an organizational structure that can
promote conflict.

○ Identify the factors responsible for conflict within an
organization.

● Competency 3: Apply appropriate strategies to reduce or resolve conflicts.
○ Describe a conflict resolution style appropriate for a conflict

situation within an organization.
○ Explain conflict negotiation strategies appropriate for a conflict

situation within an organization.
● Competency 4: Analyze the impact of conflict on relationship building in

face-to-face, virtual, cyber, and group communication.
○ Explain how conflict affects an organization.

● Competency 5: Evaluate the outcome of proposed strategies of conflict
resolution.

○ Determine the outcomes of conflict negotiation strategies for
an organization.

● Competency 6: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
○ Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate APA

format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.