Foundations of conflict management

¶ … Conflict Management

What are the sources and types of conflict that are salient in the school environment?

The issue of conflict and conflict management in our schools has become an issue of extreme importance in contemporary society. As Techannen-Morgan (2001) states, "Students with inadequate conflict and management skills who are striking out violently have created a crisis for schools across the nation" (p.1). There has also been an increase in reports of students bringing firearms to school in recent years.

The author of this article refers to the importance of a number of facets relating to conflict in schools that need to be considered. The first is that there has been increasing signs at our schools of conflict situations that deteriorate into hostility and aggression. This is related to the second fact, that there is a need for the implementation and teaching of conflict management skills as a vital way of dealing with this growing problem area.

The sources of conflict that are referred to in the article include various types of conflict that are often also found in the workaday world of common experience. These sources of conflict range from name-calling and slander at schools to conflict that result from disrespect and problems related to dating and other interpersonal issues. Numerous issues and situations can lead to disagreement and friction. Conflict can also result from the stealing of property and the disregard for commonly accepted rules and regulations. Therefore, conflict can range from the mundane to the serious but the consequences are always the same- the disruption of order and a reduction of healthy interpersonal community interaction and learning. The results of conflict also can affect the staff and teachers negatively. These fundamental sources of conflict are not only germane to schools but also occur in the working world and in later life.

2. What are the long run (for life) benefits of implementing a conflict resolution program, in high schools?

The author of the article states that conflict is inevitabile in any institution or organization. "Conflict is an inevitable part of any collective activity or organization" (Techannen-Morgan, 2001, p.1). This is indicative of the fact that management of conflict and its positive implications are not only reserved for the school or educative environment. This perspective also suggests that the management of conflict is a long - term and lifelong facet in the larger society. This also implies that management programs have life-long benefits.

The implementation of conflict management programs is intended to teach skills and resolve any differences or disagreements at these institutions in a constructive way. This has some far-reaching long-term outcomes.

In the first instance, conflict management is directed at not only the immediate situation but also aims to teach and inculcate behavior patterns that will extend into later life and into all life-situations. As this article stresses, these programs have been shown to be abele to develop prosocial patterns of behavior and to de-escalate many conflict situations. (Techannen-Morgan, 2001, p.2).

The aim of the management program is also to prepare students to"...function effectively in adult society" (Techannen-Morgan, 2001, p.4). One particularly beneficial aspect of the program was that it encouraged a view of the conflict situation from multiple perspectives. This is an important aspect as it allows those involved to see the conflict from more than just their point-of-view, which has been found to be advantageous in solving conflict situations. This valuable management skill is a very useful addition to later life-skills that can be applied to adult life and everyday conflict scenarios. Another important finding in the application of the conflict management program was the fact that it led the protagonists in the conflict to, "...thoughtfully examine.... The consequences..." (Techannen-Morgan, 2001, p.4). This also led to new strategies in solving the conflict. These aspects could be applied to life-long conflict resolution.

3. Should such a program be implemented in the work place? Explain your answer.

There is little doubt that conflict management program similar to the one discussed in the article would be beneficial in the contemporary workplace. For example, the concept of mediation and particularly peer mediation in conflict situations in schools is noted as an important part of the conflict management program. This aspect has implications for conflict management in later life and in the work place. The peer mediation model is one that allows conflict situation to be resolved by the third party without any loss of face. This strategy can be applied to good effect in the working environment.

The result of the conflict management program attests to it high success rate. In a survey, it was found that approximately ninety percent of teachers interviewed said that their schools were safer to some degree as a result of the implementation of the conflict management program. (Techannen-Morgan, 2001, p. 12) These positive results could also be translated to the workplace and to the world outside the school environment. An interesting aspect that could also be useful when applied to the business and organizational environment is the fact that most of the teachers interviewed saw the conflict management program as way of reducing the time spent on conflict. This aspect could be very useful in the work place and could result in an adoption of this management strategy.