FREE ESSAY ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Throughout one's life, one establishes many relationships. Some are built upon, and become
strong and unshakable, some are broken and left to dissolve. While some are paved slowly
and with love, blossoming to become something wonderful, others are blown apart - the
pieces scattered, never to be put back together again. Though these relationships vary,
from professional to personal, they are all prone to encountering some form of conflict.
John Dewey has designed a problem solving sequence with 6 (six) steps, listed and
explained below, to facilitate resolution of these conflicts.
Since the way one deals with conflict within the relationship will affect how the
relationship progresses, it is vital that one posse all the necessary skills to resolve
conflict in a way that brings satisfaction to everyone involved. Dewey's steps provide a
clear outline of exactly what needs to be addressed when dealing with conflict. This
allows for effective time management and allows all parties to be on the same track or in
synchronization about what has to be done. They also assure a fair and even discussion of
the problem and allow all parties to play an active role in the finding of a solution. 
Problem Solving Sequence: Steps.
1. Define and analyze the problem.
Often times, when one is in a conflict situation or in a position of having to deal with
a problem, the parties involved are affected by the problem. These emotions, or the
stress of either risking loss or profit, could cause the parties to have different views
or perceptions of the problem. This step allows both parties to have the same definition
of the problem and to be aware of the exact implications of this problem. 
Example: George, a co-owner of a small coffee shop has noticed that there are fewer
customers coming in to his store. He is worried about his profit, and is reluctant to
change anything about the store due to the cost. Max, the other owner, is more concerned
with the quality of the food they provide, and is willing to make any changes necessary
to avoid failure on this project. At the meeting, they define the problem in a clear
open-ended question and they limit the problem to time period that is reasonable. 
How can we improve our shop's sales within the next three months?
2. Establish criteria for evaluating solutions.
The solution can be either a practical one, which would affect material gains or losses,
or one based on value, which would fallow a goal that reflects image or purpose. Max and
George have decided to incorporate both types, and each solution that they come up with
must meet the established criteria.
The solution must cause a 5% increase in sales, must be cost effective, and can not
affect the quality of the products.
3. Identify possible solutions
This is where the parties (in this case Max and George) "Brainstorm", or state as many
solutions as they can think of. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these
solutions must conform to the criteria mentioned above. 
On Fridays and Saturdays there could be popular music playing from the radio instead of
jazz
Have a special for students, since they make up a majority of the clientele.
Have a night put aside each week so that local talent, musical or comedic, can showcase.
Etc...
4. Evaluate solutions.
This is where all of the solutions proposes are critically analyzed. At this point, the
proposed solutions can be adjusted or added to. This is also where the ideas are made
clearer and where it is possible to expand upon them. 
The music on Friday would be pop, while the music on Saturday would be rock
The special for students includes a free coffee with a purchase of a sandwich, or
pastry.
The idea for the showcase is a good one because it involves participation of the
customers and people will come to see their friends. But how will we pay the performers?
Etc...
5. Selecting the best solution.
The selecting the best solution can be accomplished in several ways. The first way is to
have the decision made by authority. The leader would make the final decision since
he/she has more importance and experience. A decision can also be reached through the
process of "majority rules". Though this process is a fairer one it must be performed by
a small group, and not two individuals. Since George and Max are co-owners, and there is
no leader among them, they will be using the consensus method for their decision making.
In this type of method, a unanimous decision must be reached, therefor all parties must
be in agreement. 
George and Max have decided to combine the student special with the music nights. This
causes little change in their budgets and satisfies their criteria for evaluating
solutions.
6. Test selected solutions.
After a solution has been identified and selected, a test should be made to ensure it's
effectiveness. This can be done through polling, analyzing, and other methods of
collecting data. 
George and Max will try their solutions for two weeks and observe the if there is an
increase in their sales by comparing the totals of the two weeks to the two previous
weeks. They have also chosen to advertise using homemade signs in the windows.
As with every change, there is a trail-and-error period where things are revised and new
circumstances may render the old decision obsolete. These steps are to be followed in an
orderly fashion, but this does not mean that they can not be returned to. If, after
completing a step, the desired result is not obtained, one can always go back to any
previous step they wish and start from that position. For example, if it is impossible to
select the best solution one may chose to reevaluate the solutions, or even try again to
identify more solutions. These guidelines are useful in allowing for greater efficiency
and establishing an agenda, but can, and should, remain flexible enough to be able to be
applied to any situation