MNA2100 - Chapter 11

Which of the following is the main approach to the lose-lose strategy?

Compromise

True or False: A "competitor" is most likely to try the lose-lose approach to conflict resolution, especially if he or she is personally involved in the conflict.

False

True or False: According to the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Model, avoiders typically say negative things about a conflict they have been involved in if someone else brings it up.

False

True or False: Conflict in a workplace is harmful because it can lead to groupthink.

False

True or False: Conflicts always affect the workplace negatively.

False

True or False: Difficulty with self-definition is typically the source of values conflict.

False

Which of the following factors is typically involved in a content conflict?

Argument over the existence of an idea

Which conflict primarily focuses on disagreements over what a statement or a concept means?

Content conflict

Which of the following is a source of values conflict?

Disagreement over basic beliefs

True or False: According to the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Model, "competitors" demonstrate assertive but cooperative behavior.

False

Michael has an argument with his supervisor over certain responsibilities assigned to him. He contends that the wording of his contract is ambiguous and believes that the duties assigned to him are not part of his job description. In the context of the sources of conflict, in this scenario, Michael's disagreement with his supervisor is an example of

content conflicts

Rodin and Ian work in the marketing team of their company. Rodin considers Ian a red tape bureaucrat, while Ian considers Rodin unethical. They often have trouble working together on the same projects. The conflict between Ian and Rodin can be described as

person-versus-person conflict

True or False: In an organization, high conformers think independently, solve problems creatively, and often cause some conflict in the process.

False

True or False: Negotiation-of-selves conflict primarily arises when a conflict factor is built into the structure or the policies of the organization.

False

Dennis has received two job offers with attractive employee benefits. He finds it difficult to choose one of the two offers as both are equally good. Identify the conflict that Dennis is facing.

Inner conflict

Which of the following practices is most likely to make working with low conformers less problematic?

Learning to tolerate their honesty

Which conflict erupts over differences in self-definition?

Negotiation-of-selves conflict

In the context of the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Model, identify a true statement about "avoiders."

They mistakenly assumes that if a conflict involves only other people, it should be left only to them.

True or False: A manager should try whenever possible to change a dysfunctional conflict into a functional one.

True

True or False: A manager won't be able to change a low conformer any more than he or she is likely to change a high conformer.

True

True or False: According to the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Model, it is important for a "compromiser" that all parties achieve basic goals and maintain good relationships.

True

True or False: According to the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Model, the needs of both parties involved are legitimate and important to the "collaborator."

True

True or False: If you know what type of conflict you are involved in, that knowledge can help you discover how best to resolve it

True

True or False: In American business, the workplace contains a greater amount of conflict today than in the past, mainly because of the movement of the United States from an industrial economy to a service-dominated economy.

True

True or False: One way of dealing effectively with an envious person is to avoid excessive contact with him or her.

True

True or False: One way to deal with passive people is to ask them open-ended questions.

True

True or False: Whiners and complainers are good at taking advantage of sympathetic listeners.

True

True or False: Working with and managing low conformers requires a special capacity for patience and good will.

True

The democratic vote approach is not as effective in resolving conflicts in organizations as it is in the political system because

the majority vote leaves a minority of unhappy people without any real recourse.