Question: Does the section in the charter on dispute resolution have enough information? What would you include to provide stronger strategies?

The conflict resolution section within the charter has plenty of information in regards to resolving conflict. We have covered many aspects of resolving conflict, as it would arise within a team setting. The first step in resolving conflict would to gather members of the tam and define the problem that needs resolution. Once the problem is determined then the group as a whole must gather data about the specific problem at hand. Once the data is gathered then the data must be analyzed in order to procure a resolution of said conflict. Once the learning team has analyzed the data they must collectively decide on the best solution to resolve the conflict and then implement the solution. All of the aforementioned steps cannot take place without cohesive and effective communication. Thus, disrespectful communication within the team must be curbed.

When acting as a team, members must remember they are a cohesive unit and not an individual unit. All members are working for the greater good of the team not individual advancement. One the idea of a team is recognized then disagreements on assignment requirements, assignment responsibilities and timelines will be controlled and cohesive work can continue. Of course, the collective work involved within the team setting cannot happen without clear communication from each member.

Each member of team must communicate clearly and effectively. Without clear communication the team is likely to fail to work as a team and individual egos have to potential to disrupt the collective environment. Thus, to avoid egocentric activities, any conflict that may arise with group individuals should be treated immediately before it disrupts the entire group and causes mutiny. Consequently, immediate treatment and resolution of a conflict is optimal to group success. The conflict should be addressed first by the two individuals within the conflict, and then if left unresolved it must be met with mediation by the entire team. However, if the team in unable to guide the two individuals into neutrality then a “supervisor” or “instructor” must be called to assist with the mediation.

In order to provide stronger strategies in a conflict resolution scenario further research may be in order. When a conflict arises within a group it concerns two or more parties within the cohesive unit. The cohesive unit begins to shift and possibly break apart due to differences in opinion. If an individual disagrees on a certain aspect of a project the team is working on then perhaps a neutral member of the team can research further into the aspect that is being disputed. For example if a group is discussing orange juice production and two members are arguing over the best process to use to extract juice. Perhaps a third party can research the pros and cons of the methods being disputed and thus possibly resolve the conflict. A second mediation tactic may include providing a third method of extraction that would entice both arguing parties.

Here are the conflicts and resolutions

  • Define the problem
  • Gather data Analyze the data
  • Chose the best solution
  • Implement solution
  • Disrespectful communication
  • Disagreements on assignment requirements, assignment responsibilities, and assignment timeline
  • Clear Communication between team members by responding to posts in a timely manner will help avoid any conflict that might arise from not knowing what the other team member is thinking or saying.
  • Any conflict between two individuals should try to be resolved between those members so that the entire team is not affected.
  • If the conflict is unable to be resolved without mediation, it can be brought to the team's attention for overall guidance about the problem.
  • If, as a team, the conflict still remains, assistance from the class instructor may be called upon.
  • Team assignment will be discussed at the beginning of the week in the forum so that all questions and misunderstandings can be addressed before members start working on their individual parts.
  • Some conflicts may arise regarding the content of an assignment.
  • Team members should be able to communicate and discuss the issue in a professional manner.
  • If the two-team members cannot come to an agreement, the rest of the team will get involved and attempt to resolve issues.
  • If there is any disagreement regarding as assignment, the team will have a discussion over the phone to resolve the issue.