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Chap10 Notes
Chap10 Notes
Conflict takes place frequently, and being able to manage it well contributes to your
feeling of well-being. Conflict is a condition that exists when two sets of demands, goals,
or motives are incompatible. A conflict can also be considered a dispute, feud, or
controversy.
B. Personality Clashes
Balancing the demands of work and family life is a major challenge facing workers
at all levels. The challenge of achieving balance is particularly intense for employees
who are part of a two-wage-earner family.
1. Tvpes and Frequency of Harassment. Two types of sexual harassment are legally
recognized:
(a) Quid pro quo (which is Latin for this for that) - receiving an unfavorable
employment action because sexual favors are refused
(b) a hostile environment created by sexually-oriented conduct. Many workers are
confused about what constitutes hostile environment harassment.
Surveys and opinions suggest that somewhere between 50 percent and 60 percent
of women are sexually harassed at least once in their career. Aside from being an
illegal and immoral act, sexual harassment has negative effects on the well-being
of its victims. The harassed person may experience job stress, lowered morale,
severe conflict, and lowered productivity.
Many people do not realize, for example, that terms of endearment such
as "sweetheart" or "honey" can be considered harassment. The easiest
way to deal with harassment is to speak up before it become serious.
Confronting the harasser in writing is also very effective.
A. Being Assertive
Assertive people state clearly what they want or how they feel in a given situation
without being abusive, abrasive, or obnoxious. Nonassertive people let things happen
to them without letting their feelings be known. And aggressive people are obnoxious
and overbearing. They push for what they want with almost no regard for the feelings
of others.
There are techniques that can help people become less shy and more assertive
including:
1. Set a goal.
2. Appear warm and friendly.
3. Conduct anonymous conversations.
4. Greet strangers.
5. Practice being decisive.
C. Cognitive Restructuring
According to the technique of cognitive restructuring, you mentally convert negative
aspects into positive ones by looking for positive elements in a situation. If you
search for the beneficial elements in a situation, there will be less area for dispute.
4. Make a Last and Final Offer. Make your final offer and leave politely. The
other side can get in touch with you if your offer becomes acceptable.
To manage your own anger, keep in mind the following: (1) Anger can be an
energizing force, and therefore constructive if properly channeled. (2) Express
your anger before it reaches a high intensity. (3) As you are about to express
anger, slow down. (4) Ask for feedback about how well you are expressing your
anger.
In choosing a tactic for resolving conflict or managing anger, consider both your
personality and the situation.