According to Blanchfield and Ladd (78), a conflict refers to any form of disagreement or inconsistency in reasoning over a given policy within an organisation. It is a case where the views of one group differ from that of another group in such a given setting. This would result into two centres of power within the affected organisation. A number of conflict management styles exist that can be used at different times when there is a disagreement. Negotiation is one of the best styles that can be used to resolve conflicts. In this approach, the two parties will discuss the issues bringing the difference with the view of finding the best solution that is acceptable to both parties. It is highly recommended because the solution found out of this will be supported by the two parties. The approach should highly encourage a win-win scenario for the parties involved in the conflict. It should be the first step that should be used when addressing conflict. If this fails to work, then other methods of conflict resolution should be considered.
Mediation would be the next best alternative that should always be considered if the two parties involved in the conflict fail to find a solution that is mutually satisfying to both of them. In this strategy, a third party, known as a mediator, will be called upon to mediate and help the conflicting parties find a solution (Corvette 65). The mediator is expected to listen to the two parties, identify any biased demands from any of the two parties, and find a way of convincing them to accept a common ground. The third approach that should be considered is arbitration. In this approach, an impartial party is chosen by the two parties to make a judgment over the case, and the two parties will be expected to accept the judgment of the arbiter. When all these attempts fail to bring a solution, then the final step would be the litigation process. The two parties will go to court and a judgment will be made over their case.
Works Cited
Blanchfield, Kyle, and Peter Ladd. Conflict Resolution for Law Enforcement: Street-smart Negotiating. Flushing, NY: Looseleaf Law Publications, 2008. Print.
Corvette, Barbara. Conflict Management: A Practical Guide to Developing Negotiation Strategies. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006. Print.
