Understanding and Utilizing Conflict Management Systems and Strategies in the Workplace: Creating a Community-Centric P

1. Understanding and Utilizing Conflict Management Systems and Strategies in the Workplace: Creating a Community-Centric Paradigm Presenters: Principal Investigator Neil H. Katz, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator Linda Flynn Student Researcher Hugh Beswick

2. AGENDA&TEAM

3. Our agenda • Introductions • Community Partners • The Study • Goals and Methodology • Emerging Themes • Benefits to NSU/Broward • Q & A

4. Team • Principal Investigator - Neil H. Katz, Ph.D. • Co-Principal Investigator - Linda Flynn • Student Researchers - Hugh Beswick and Patty Heath • Community Partners • Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward Economic Development Alliance • United Way

5. THE STUDY

6. The Study The research study will measure workplace leaders’ and managers awareness, perception and usage of conflict management systems and strategies in Broward County. • Kinds of conflicts experienced within organization • Techniques utilized to manage conflictsEffects of conflicts • Perception of associated costs to conflict • Conflict management training • Level of satisfaction with organizational conflict management systems and approaches. 

7. Contributions • Current research covers narrow scope: • Cost of conflict • Time spent on conflict • Turnover rates • Studies of more holistic nature are scarce: • Systems-thinking • Best practices • Relationship to broader organizational culture • Relationship between organization and client/customer, employee, and community • Overall value to Social Sciences and Management Science

8. GOALS&METHODOLOGY

9. Goals • To measure workplace leaders’ and managers’ awareness, perception, and usage of conflict management systems and strategies in the Broward County business community. • To develop a comprehensive assessment of how organizations within Broward County handle issues and differences with employees and customers. • To provide results back to the business community with information and comparisons to best practices. • To work with the business community to develop a collaborative for business and for NSU. • To expand the study outside Broward County with the ultimate goal of providing groundbreaking research in the area of organizational best practices.

10. Methodology • Mixed Method Design • Qualitative • Interviews with leaders in 30-40 organizations – public, private and non-profit sectors • Quantitative • Employee Surveys • Managerial Surveys • Status

11. Qualitative: Discussion Framework

12. Quantitative: March/April 2011Employee/managerial surveys

13. EMERGING THEMES(to date)

14. Beginning the Analysis: Assessment Framework

15. Emerging themes • Close connection of leadership style and conflict management practices • Importance of organizational culture • Culture of engagement vs. culture of avoidance • Alignment of goals and mission • Conscious versus unconscious awareness • Importance of conflict management and approaches • Lack of awareness of practical and academic resources to manage conflict

16. BENEFITS TO NSU AND BROWARD

17. Benefits • Identification of best practices • Knowledge and resource share • Possible advisory group • Relationship building • Consultation services to assist with systems evaluation and implementation • New opportunities for DCAR and business students for research and intern opportunities • Identification of venues for applied research and multi-institutional funding options

18. Thank you!Q & A