MAN 373 WA 3
Brandon Smith
March 14, 2015
MAN-373
Strategies for Managing Conflict: Rational Problem-Solving Process Working in a demanding fast-paced environment, can be challenging. Companies that have a very specialized business or provide services that are in high demand can experience rapid growth, and thus this can increase the workload on the staff within a firm. In many instances, departments may need to create “hybrid” positions, in order to facilitate cross functional duties from department to department. Additionally, some companies may even “detail” an employee to a particular department to ensure maximum efficiency throughout the entire business process.
The presumed cause of conflict in this scenario is the company is growing at a fast pace, work-flow has increased dramatically “which has caused everyone to be busier than usual”. (Hynes, 2011) In fact the manager of the accounting department, Linda Sims, has been utilizing the time of an employee (Ruth Rankin) from the credit department to cover overflow of work, in order to sustain departmental deadlines and work completion efficiency. Sales department manager, Jose Martinez, is equally concerned about work overflow in his department and request Ruth Rankin to help out the sales department. This has caused a presumed strained relationship between the two managers, as both identify the need to utilize Ruth’s time in their respective departments. The conflict identified can quite easily be resolved utilizing the proper methods of approach, regarding the rational problem-solving process. Now that the the first two steps in John Dewey 's rational problem-solving process has been completed; we can begin to turn our attention to brainstorming solutions to this particular problem. Linda Sims knows that Ruth Rankin is not part of her staff, but has been able to utilize her to provided assistance quite frequently until the sales department has identified their departmental staffing needs. Understanding this and the
March 14, 2015
MAN-373
Strategies for Managing Conflict: Rational Problem-Solving Process Working in a demanding fast-paced environment, can be challenging. Companies that have a very specialized business or provide services that are in high demand can experience rapid growth, and thus this can increase the workload on the staff within a firm. In many instances, departments may need to create “hybrid” positions, in order to facilitate cross functional duties from department to department. Additionally, some companies may even “detail” an employee to a particular department to ensure maximum efficiency throughout the entire business process.
The presumed cause of conflict in this scenario is the company is growing at a fast pace, work-flow has increased dramatically “which has caused everyone to be busier than usual”. (Hynes, 2011) In fact the manager of the accounting department, Linda Sims, has been utilizing the time of an employee (Ruth Rankin) from the credit department to cover overflow of work, in order to sustain departmental deadlines and work completion efficiency. Sales department manager, Jose Martinez, is equally concerned about work overflow in his department and request Ruth Rankin to help out the sales department. This has caused a presumed strained relationship between the two managers, as both identify the need to utilize Ruth’s time in their respective departments. The conflict identified can quite easily be resolved utilizing the proper methods of approach, regarding the rational problem-solving process. Now that the the first two steps in John Dewey 's rational problem-solving process has been completed; we can begin to turn our attention to brainstorming solutions to this particular problem. Linda Sims knows that Ruth Rankin is not part of her staff, but has been able to utilize her to provided assistance quite frequently until the sales department has identified their departmental staffing needs. Understanding this and the
Cited: Hynes, Geraldine, E (2011) Managerial Communications, Strategies and Applications, Fifth Edition New York, McGraw-Hill McQuerrey, L. (n.d.). The Basic Steps in the Management Planning Process. Retrieved March 14, 2015, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/basic-steps-management-planning-process-17646.html Myatt, M. (2012). 5 Keys of Dealing with Workplace Conflict Retrieved March 13, 2015, Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/02/22/5-keys-to-dealing-with-workplace-conflict/