Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Compromise

The textbook discusses the various options available to manage conflict in the workplace starting on Page 290. One subject that was covered was compromise, which is fundamental to conflict resolution and management. It is reasonable that when the parties involved in a conflict are open to compromise, there is generally an easy resolution to the conflict.

This is true of all organizations, including at the highest level of conflict between nations. It is only when nations give up trying to compromise for whatever reason that wars brew between them. One problem that nations face that companies usually don't face is religious conflict. It seems that religious conflict is one area where people don't usually compromise and generally stick to their belief system adamantly.

1 comment:

PinkLady said...

You have made a good point. I think compromise among people in organizations, among nations, among companies, etc. is always difficult to achieve. No one wants to compromise regardless because everyone believes that they are right. I see this all the time in the organization I work for. It's almost like compromising a sign that you are giving up and letting go of power. For example, one of my managers will never compromise or even listen to anyone else's point of view. I get the feeling that by doing this she feels like she is holding on to her power. Compromise to some is almost like being weak, so instead managers try and use power and authority to get their way.