Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design
Week 10 Assignment 5: Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design
Wendy S. Hill
Dr. Peter DeDominici
BUS 520: Leadership and Organizational Behavior
December 16, 2012
Week 10 Assignment 5: Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design
Beginning with the Manhattan Project in the 1940’s, Oak Ridge, TN has been a Mecca for cutting edge equipment, research and scientific development. In 1946, two University of Tennessee professors “were discussing the merits of linking the valuable scientific resources developed in Oak Ridge as part of the Manhattan Project with regional universities.” because “The schools did not have access to such high-tech equipment.” (“Oak Ridge Associated Universities”, 2012). That discussion was the beginning of what was to become Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), a consortium of over 100 universities, laboratories, and government projects that are networked to establish “collaborative partnerships that enhance the scientific research and education enterprise of our nation”. (“Oak Ridge Associated Universities”, 2012). ORAU has since made a name for itself for furthering scientific education and research and being the company to provide working solutions for numerous problems. An organization such as ORAU can encounter many obstacles during the course of business. One such obstacle is conflict, so it is important to learn how to anticipate and deal with conflict. Utilizing evidence-based management is also helpful in dealing with the conflicts and decisions that are part of every organization. Being able to effectively utilize creative decision making will also help circumvent business obstacles; therefore, learning to effectively navigate the blocks, stages and methods of creative decision making will ultimately affect the company’s success. Lastly, identifying the environmental and strategic factors that affect the organizational design of the company will help managers navigate conflict and creative
Wendy S. Hill
Dr. Peter DeDominici
BUS 520: Leadership and Organizational Behavior
December 16, 2012
Week 10 Assignment 5: Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design
Beginning with the Manhattan Project in the 1940’s, Oak Ridge, TN has been a Mecca for cutting edge equipment, research and scientific development. In 1946, two University of Tennessee professors “were discussing the merits of linking the valuable scientific resources developed in Oak Ridge as part of the Manhattan Project with regional universities.” because “The schools did not have access to such high-tech equipment.” (“Oak Ridge Associated Universities”, 2012). That discussion was the beginning of what was to become Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), a consortium of over 100 universities, laboratories, and government projects that are networked to establish “collaborative partnerships that enhance the scientific research and education enterprise of our nation”. (“Oak Ridge Associated Universities”, 2012). ORAU has since made a name for itself for furthering scientific education and research and being the company to provide working solutions for numerous problems. An organization such as ORAU can encounter many obstacles during the course of business. One such obstacle is conflict, so it is important to learn how to anticipate and deal with conflict. Utilizing evidence-based management is also helpful in dealing with the conflicts and decisions that are part of every organization. Being able to effectively utilize creative decision making will also help circumvent business obstacles; therefore, learning to effectively navigate the blocks, stages and methods of creative decision making will ultimately affect the company’s success. Lastly, identifying the environmental and strategic factors that affect the organizational design of the company will help managers navigate conflict and creative
References: Hammonds, K. (2000, November 01). 'How Do We Break Out of the Box We¿re Stuck In? '. Fast Company, 260, Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com Hellriegel, D. & Slocum, J.W. (2011). Organizational Behavior. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Lewicki, R. J., & Hiam, A. (2007). The flexibility of the master negotiator. Global Business & Organizational Excellence, 26(2), 25-36. doi:10.1002/joe.20130 Oak Ridge Associated Universities. (2012). About ORAU and What We Do. Retrieved from http://www.orau.org Turner, E. (2012). Innovation super team. (cover story). Training Journal, 12-15.