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Welcome to the Conflict Resolution site! This site has been established
through the joint efforts of the Office
of Human Resource Development and Office
of Quality Improvement at UW-Madison as a resource to enhance the
skills of faculty, staff, and students as they seek to manage conflicts
that occur in our campus community and build a positive campus climate.
The site features several sections that we hope will be valuable to you:
- About Conflict offers basic
definitions and assumptions about conflict and related terms, as well
as some core concepts that should be understood when addressing workplace
disputes.
- Common Problems poses several
frequently asked questions, offering practical strategies for responding
to them.
- 8 Steps for Conflict Resolution
outlines a useful process for responding to conflicts, including strategies
for preparing to negotiate and determining whether an issue is appropriate
for such an approach. These steps are linked to additional pages that
provide more in-depth information.
- Best Practices Have a Process
provides examples of processes that are frequently successful in complex
situations, disputes that should be addressed by a third party mediator,
considerations for department chairs, and strategies for creating an
affirming environment in which to negotiate.
- Simulations, Exercises
and Resources offers additional
tools and processes that can enhance your understanding of conflict,
video clips with further discussion of key issues, and a link to a discussion
board that may expand our learning opportunities.
Conflict is a complex issue, one that naturally permeates all organizational
and community life. In order to address conflict effectively, we need:
- An attitude of respect towards those with whom we disagree;
- A willingness to entertain new definitions of the issues at hand;
- Sensitivity to cultural, gender, and personality differences that
may influence perceptions of the needs of the parties; and
- Attention to the development of communication and problem-solving
skills.
While we recognize that conflicts cannot be addressed by simple advice,
we hope this site serves as a resource that enhances your understanding
of the challenges you face and connects you to other
learning opportunities. Your feedback regarding this site is also
welcome; please contact Harry
Webne-Behrman (hwebnebehrman@bascom.wisc.edu)
of Office of Human Resource Development
with your comments and suggestions.
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