Conflict Management: Theoretical Case Study

I am a young nurse with a disagreement

I am a young nurse who has been with the facility for one and a half years. I appreciate working in this setting, and my coworkers have been helpful. Unfortunately, I have a beef with the nurse manager, who I believe favors some of my coworkers. With Christmas approaching, I wanted to get a couple of days off. After being on duty for the previous Christmas, I planned to spend this one off duty. But, a nurse's note implies that Bill, a married coworker and father of two, will have the Christmas off while I’ll be working on Christmas (since I do not have children to watch open their presents). With this conflict brewing, I hope that the manager uses a conflict management technique that would calm me down, and present me with a better opportunity to work.

Conflict management styles

There are five major conflict management styles that the manager could use: Compromise, Collaboration, Avoidance, Competition or Accommodation. If she uses collaboration, it means that she would look for a way where we would both benefit. She could give me extra days off and promise a new years eve off for example. This way I will be satisfied to work Christmas knowing that I will be off for New Year’s Eve. However, this will not be satisfactory since my perception of the manager is that of favoritism.

Other conflict management styles

Assuming she applies compromise, she may look for a temporary solution like giving me a day off before others depart for Christmas. This would be a short-term solution to my problems. Further, using avoidance, she may decide to do nothing about the situation and let me sulk for the period until Bill returns. This will only reduce my motivation for work during that time. Compromise will not work since the damage is already done and the days will not be given, while avoidance will only make matters worse.

Competing and accommodating conflict resolution

The worst form of conflict resolution she may apply is the competing conflict style. Using this style, she may use her powers to force me to work for the Christmas period and evaluate my work during that time. Since I am junior, there is nothing I can do, but the work environment will be hostile towards me. On the other hand, the best leadership skill she may apply is the accommodating leadership skill, where she will explain to me why I cannot get the days off. I would present my plea and let her hear my case. Since she will have my best interest at hand, she will look for an alternative way to treat me.

The importance of an accommodating leadership style

In conclusion, dealing with an employee who feels that they have been treated unjustly needs to be addressed with tenderness. While the other conflict management skills may work, listening and understanding the employee using the accommodating style is the most appropriate.