M1A3 - Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

M1A3 - Conflict - Essay Example Struggle for control and dominance within a social setting such as corporate environment will lead to a stalemate in the interpersonal relationships among the individuals. Some behaviors that are associated with power struggles include feelings of deception, manipulation and defeat (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). However, positive power behaviors such as persuasion will minimize the interpersonal conflicts within a group. Another element of interpersonal conflicts is the differences in perceptual and cognitive factors. Human beings tend to attain distinctiveness and social identity within the social group thus individual who fail to conform to group values are discriminated against in social interactions (Rahim, 2011). High social dominance orientation will promote the group-based hierarchies in favor of the high powerful individuals in the group (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). Social group factors such as the level of cohesiveness, group identity, conformity pressure and decis ion-making methods will influence the effectiveness of conflict resolution among the group members. All individuals within the group strive to attain a higher social esteem and group identity. However, group dynamics such as intensity hostility between the members, fear, deception and mistrust will escalate the level of conflict within the group (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). PSDM model of interpersonal conflict resolution The PSDM model of decision-making and problem solving is integral to conflict resolution within a group. According to the model, conflict resolution entails four phases that include diagnosis phase, identification of alternative solutions, evaluation and selection of acceptable alternative and finally decision making and implementation phase. The diagnosis phase involves identification of the source of the conflict. The parties must cooperate in identifying the conflict sources (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). In addition, the parties must avoid any destruct ive behaviors such as blaming others during this phase. The second stage is identification of alternative solutions through brainstorming. A checklist is used in brainstorming sessions in order to stimulate creativity. The third phase is evaluation and selection of an acceptable solution (Rahim, 2011). This phase entails consideration the various alternatives and determining the most effective in resolving the conflict (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). The parties can utilize a reference frame such as ability to attain social cohesion, ability to attain group objectives and fairness to all parties. The last phase is decision-making and implementation of the solution through changing the values, attitudes and communication channels within the group. Theory of cooperation and competition The theory was advanced by Morton Deutsch and later elaborated by David W. Johnson. The theory emphasizes on the interdependence of the goals of the parties to the conflict. The goals of the parties must be positively correlated in order to foster cooperative conflict resolution (Rahim, 2011). Goal interdependence is then combined with psychological processes such as attitudes, substitutability and inducibility (Deutsch, Coleman & Marcus, 2006). The theory aims at controlling destructive competition within the group and fostering cooperation through enhancing group cohesion and problem cognition. The