Workplace Conflict Case Study

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A. Discuss 3 causes of workplace conflict

1. In the workplace there are many reasons why conflict occurs. In the situation between the police officers and city management, below are a couple of reasons for their conflict. First of all, city management and the police officers have conflicting needs. The city management wants to reduce overtime pay immediately and hire new police officers. The police officers want to continue receiving overtime pay because they have adjusted their life style around the extra money they receive. 2. Secondly, city management and the police officers have conflicting pressures. The city management is under pressure from the public because the public became aware of the cost of overtime being paid to police officers and is demanding a reduction. The police officers have received overtime pay for such a long …show more content…

Identify and discuss 2 basic components of a work culture that prevent negative conflict.

1. Communicating with the officers before making a decision that will affect their lively hood. Communication is key and there are so many conflicts that occur due to lack of communication. Asking questions and getting clarity helps so that both parties understand what is expected and required which will cut down on negative conflict. In the case of the police officers and their overtime pay, city management should have spoken to the union before implementing the stoppage of overtime pay.

2. Stating the problem and asking for suggestions about how the problem can be solved. When there is a problem, we should follow the proper protocol to get the problem resolved. The breakdown in communication between the police officers and city management caused an unnecessary conflict because city management acted out of fear and the mayor possibly losing an election due to the overtime pay the police officers were receiving, which was mandatory because of the promise made by the mayor to lower crime by increasing police patrols in high-crime

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