How Christopher’s and Sarah’s Perceptions of Conflict Differ
Text
Jandt, F. E. (2016). Conflict and communication. Sage.
Chapter 3: Deconstructing Conflicts
The full-text version of this ebook is available in your classroom through the RedShelf platform. Chapter 3 discusses how conflict can be deconstructed. This chapter shares different models that leaders can use to resolve conflict. This chapter will assist you in your Perception of Conflicts discussion forum, your Bias Perception and Conflict discussion forum, and your Conflict Resolution Models to Deconstruct Conflict Situations assignment this week.
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum,
Read Chapter 3: Deconstructing Conflicts in the required course textbook.
Read Soft Skills: How Different Perceptions Impact Workplace Conflict.
Read 5 Steps to Conflict Resolution in the Workplace.
Perception of conflicts can greatly impact how a conflict is approached and addressed. The resolution, or management, of a conflict can be hampered when opposing parties have different views of the conflict. For this discussion, you will examine Case Study 3.2, Christopher and Sarah’s Conflict Episode, from page 61 of Chapter 3 in the course textbook. Even though you have examined workplace conflicts, it important to examine how parties perceive their side of the conflict. And although Christopher and Sarah are not working in a very formal organization, they are business partners in a business venture, which is a legal entity and a type of organization. After reviewing Case Study 3.2, answer the following questions in a post of at least 300 words:
Discuss how Christopher’s and Sarah’s perceptions of their conflict differ.
Discuss how Christopher’s and Sarah’s perceptions of their conflict has impacted their actions and decisions in the conflict.
Discuss what steps or actions each party could take to better understand the other party’s perception of the conflict.
Describe what steps each party could take to resolve their conflict.
Perception of Conflicts
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Perception of Conflicts
How Christopher’s and Sarah’s Perceptions of Their Conflict Differ
According to the case study, Christopher and Sarah are close friends who started a business together. Their partnership is suffering since the business has stalled, and the partners cannot agree on business operations and profit sharing. The disagreement extends further since they each have a different perception of the existing conflict (Jandt, 2016). According to Christopher, the current issues are because of Sarah's lack of dedication and commitment. Based on this notion, Christopher believes he deserves more profit than Sarah. On the other hand, Sarah's perception of conflict is that the arising issues are because of Christopher's disregard for her efforts and contribution. Christopher's perception of his partner has caused hurt and anger. In Sarah's opinion, her contribution is the same as Christopher's, and she deserves an equal share of profits and contribution to the business's decision-making process.
How Christopher’s and Sarah’s Perceptions of Their Conflict Have Impacted Their Actions and Decisions in The Conflict
Each individual's perception of the conflict has significantly influenced their actions and decisions. Christopher believes Sarah is not committed, and as a result, this has driven him to take a more forceful approach towards Sarah. His stand is based on the accusations that Sarah is dishonest, incompetent, and lazy (Jandt, 2016). This has impacted his actions and decisions, especially considering partnership termination and business takeover. Sarah's approach is defensive since she must defend herself from accusations of wrongdoings. Consequently, she turns her blame on Christopher as the cause of all the problems and avoids direct conversations.
Steps or Ac...