Conflict in the Workplace
As per facts of the case, the root cause of the conflict between Emma and Isabella is differing views/preferences. Provided that Emma and Isabella have been working together for more than five years, they should have had an established communication pattern. In the case, they had differing views on how to attack the new project; Emma wanted a more hands-on learning approach while Isabella felt that lecture would be the most appropriate format. In collaborating, sharing different views/opinions/approaches is expected. According to Pravamayee (2014) a healthy workplace can be defined as a place where everyone works together in order to achieve an agreed vision for the health and well-being of workers and the surrounding community. In order to achieve this healthy work environment, managers and workers need to increase control over the atmosphere and to improve it, and become more contended, positive and energetic (Pravamayee, 2014).
In the case of Emma and Isabella, if the manager wants to resolve the conflict between them, s/he needs to engage the two works to open communication. The manager needs to make them realize that communication is key in settling their difference. Since the two have been working together for more than five years, they should already have established mutual respect for one another, thus, making it easy to promote open communication. To resolve the conflict, Emma and Isabella need to realize that they can settle their differences by communicating. If Isabella, is not yet comfortable meeting Emma face-to-face, they can start by emailing each other, from there, they can mend their relationship. Once they are comfortable again, they need to talk face-to-face and discuss their opinions. They need to weigh each other’s opinions and from there arrive at a compromise. It is critical to understand that good relationships especially when working in groups depend on honest and open communication.
Reference:
Pravamayee, Samantaray. (2014). Strategy to Develop an Effective Workplace Environment. International Journal of Language & Linguistics
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