introduction to conflict resolution
Instructions:
First, analyze your perceptions of the Who Do We Hire? conflict using TRIP. Be sure to answer the following questions in your analysis:
What is the Topic?
Relational concerns?
Identity and Procedural issues?
What are the dominant TRIP elements in this conflict?
Next, diagram the overlapping TRIP goals (p.90-93) for this conflict.
Keep in mind that you may use more than one diagram to illustrate this conflict. For example, you may illustrate each partys perspective of the conflict, like the example of the professor and the student (Figures 3.3 and 3.4). These examples illustrate that for each party, the paramount interests probably differ from those of another person in the same situation.
Be sure to properly label your diagram (s). These diagrams can be easily created using options in WORD.
Last, analyze your perceptions of the conflict using RICE. Be sure to answer the following questions in your analysis:
What roles do fear, threats, revenge, and physical aggression play throughout the conflict, if any?
Who do you think has the most power? Explain.
What sources (RICE) of power does each party have?
What high/low power moves do you see in the conflict?
1
Rev S17
Who Do We Hire?
Dialogue
Participants: John, Jim (the Director), Laura, Karl, Keith and Celeste
Setting: Mental health center
Situation: An opening for a full-time therapist has been created by one of the
staff therapists quitting
Jim: We need to fill this position since Lee is leaving. I suggest we hire
Nikki full time. Shes done a great job as an intern, and the kids seem to
really like her. What do you think?
Keith: I agree. We should hire her.
Jim: Anyone else?
(Long silence)
John: Yeah, thats okay with me.
Jim: Is there any discussion on this matter?
Laura: Yes. I dont think we should hire Nikki without doing a search. She does
a good job, but we might be able to get someone even better.
Karl: I sort of feel that way, too.
Keith: I dont think we could find anyone better. Besides, it could take months
to do it and we need the help right away, especially on the weekends.
Karl: Yeah, but that doesnt mean we should hire just anyone.
Jim: Nikkis not just anyone. Plus, we could lose the funding if we dont hire
right away. Ive talked to Nikki about itIm sure shed take the position.
Keith: And if we dont offer it to her, I think shell quit completely.
Laura: Sounds like you guys have already figured it out. Why are you even
asking us if youve made up your mind already?
Jim: Theres no we here, and I didnt already make up my mind.
Celeste: I dont think we should act so quickly. Im not sure Nikki is all that
committed to her work. You say the kids like her, but personally, I think she
just likes having them do what she wants. She seems like a control freak to me.
She likes having the kids like her.
Jim: What is it with you, Celeste? You always disagree with what this group
wants to do. Everyone wants this but you. Im tired of your constant
opposition. You should listen to what were saying.
2
Rev S17
Celeste: What is it with me? Why do you act like were making a group decision,
when you already made a decision and obviously got Keith and John to agree before
talking to the rest of us?
Jim: If you cant be a team player, then maybe its you who needs to start
looking for a new job.
Instructions
First, analyze your perceptions of the Who Do We Hire? conflict using TRIP. Be sure to answer the following
questions in your analysis:
1. What is the Topic?
2. Relational concerns?
3. Identity and Procedural issues?
4. What are the dominant TRIP elements in this conflict?
Next, diagram the overlapping TRIP goals (p.86-89) for this conflict.
a. Keep in mind that you may use more than one diagram to illustrate this conflict. For example, you may
illustrate each partys perspective of the conflict, like the example of the professor and the student (on p.
87; figure 3.3 and 3.4). This example illustrates that for each party, the paramount interests probably differ
from those of another person in the same situation (Wilmot & Hocker, p. 87).
b. Be sure to properly label your diagram (s). These diagrams can be easily created using options in WORD.
Last, analyze your perceptions of the conflict using RICE. Be sure to answer the following questions in your analysis:
a. What roles do fear, threats, revenge, and physical aggression play throughout the conflict, if any?
b. Who do you think has the most power? Explain.
c. What sources (RICE) of power does each party have?
d. What high/low power moves do you see in the conflict?
