Conflict is the disagreement or difference of opinions between or among individuals that can be potentially harmful to any organization. In the workplace setting, it often involves personal agendas, insights, or goals versus the agendas, insights, or goals of the group or team. Conflict management seeks to resolve the disagreement or conflict with positive outcomes that satisfy all individuals involved or is beneficial to the group. However, the perception of conflict is often negative.

Conflict can, in fact, be positive if it is managed properly. Conflict can promote team-building skills, critical thinking, new ideas, and alternative resolutions. Conflict management is a crucial competency that leaders must possess, for the success of the team, group, unit, or employees they lead.

Course Description: This course is designed to offer students opportunities to understand common causes of conflicts, and build techniques and skills in conflict management. The course teaches students the theoretical underpinnings causing disputes among parties. It emphasizes building partnerships and long-term positive relationships in one’s career and personal life. Students will investigate the theory and practice of using power, assessing conflict, improving communication techniques in problem solving with regards to appropriate strategies, tactics and goals in conflict resolution. This course will also focus on mediation skills, and students will have an opportunity to practice conflict management strategies to solve actual conflicts.