Conflict Management: Case Evaluation
According to Wall & Callister (1995), conflict may occur at the interpersonal level in which an individual comes into conflict with others. Perhaps, conflict may occur at the intergroup level, whereby some level of contention exists between or among groups. Last, conflict may occur between or among organizations, which is known as interorganizational. Regardless of the level, experiencing conflict breeds frustration, anxiety, and the dreaded fear of the unknown outcome. Although associated feelings are a byproduct of an unpleasant and natural occurrence, it is necessary for people to progress through the cycle. "As with any social process, there are causes; also, there is a core process which has results or effects. These effects feed back to affect the causes. Such a conflict cycle takes place within a context (environment) and the cycle will flow through numerous iterations (Wall & Callister, 1995, p. 516). For further analysis, an example is given to evaluate a situational conflict's cause, process, and effects.
Case: Ethical Challenges
In the field of real estate, one encounters numerous ethically and socially challenging situations. Many situations can border the threshold of litigation. Several years ago, after working with some clients for quite some time, the agent was able to finally close the deal. This lovely family moved into their new home and was excited about the idea of being first time homeowners. Two days after closing, the sellers knocked on their door and informed them that a previous death had occurred there. Additionally, the sellers handed the disclosure papers to the buyers that noted the presence of asbestos. Afterwards, the buyers' agent received an alarming and angry call from her clients who demanded an explanation. Shockingly, the buyers' agent could not believe that this was happening. What did the seller have to gain by disclosing this information now? Immediately, the buyers' agent called the sellers' agent...
Moreover, the sellers' agent did not feel the need to disclose this information and was surprised that the seller decided to share such disturbing news after-the-fact. This is a complex situation involving three main issues. First, asbestos is a health and safety issue that needed to be addressed immediately. Second, a death occurrence was a material issue for the buyers. Third, this agency relationship created tension between the two real estate brokerages that now must prove where the burden of proof actually lay. In the midst of this interorganizational conflict, interpersonal and intergroup conflict created a multi-level conflict: brokerage entities are in conflict, buyers against the sellers are in conflict, and real estate agents of both entities are in conflict. Consequently, the buyers felt betrayed due to the lack of disclosure regarding the asbestos and the death occurrence, and they wanted to pursue legal action against all parties to the transaction. If misrepresentation could be proven, the contract could have been possibly rescinded, with a handsome monetary settlement awarded.
Case Evaluation
Conflict Defined
Based on the definition of conflict as a process in which one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party, this case clearly demonstrates this definition. The buyers felt that they were negatively affected by both real estate agents and the sellers. Hence, they felt vulnerable and victimized by the nondisclosure. Incidentally, the conflict was one of a complex and multiplicity in nature. "Multiplicity increase the chances for goals to generate conflict; yet, once there is conflict, the multiple issues provide an opportunity for the parties to set trades and face-saving exits from the conflict. Similarly, complex issues generate conflict via tension and confusion. However, complex issues can often be dissected into a number of smaller/simpler…
