Purpose: For this assignment you will analyze a conflict using concepts and theories developed in the course. The objective is to prepare a written analysis of a conflict that includes a description of the conflict, an explanation of what drives the conflict, and practical suggestions for turning the conflict in a positive direction or resolving it. I want to emphasize that the main purpose of the assignment is to demonstrate the relationship of theory to practice.
Skills: This assignment will allow you to apply the following skills that are essential in your success, both personally and professionally.
• Analyze conflict behaviors.
• Understand the “driving forces†behind conflict situations.
• Recognize the importance of communication in the conflict process.
• Find the best strategies to deal with different types of conflict.
Knowledge: This assignment will also help you to become familiar with the following important content knowledge in the field of communication studies:
• Theories of conflict interaction
• Effective differentiation strategies
• Effective integration strategies
The Conflict
The conflict(s) you will analyze can be found in the episode of Million Dollar Listing: New York (Season 1, Episode 6, Bailing on the Bully). Although I own this episode, I was able to find it on “PeacockTv†for free.
To complete this assignment, you should:
1. Select at least one conflict from the Million Dollar Listing: New Yorkepisode watched in class.
2. Diagnosis/Analysis – Provide a description, diagnosis, and analysis of the conflict or conflicts – In this section you should give an overview of the conflict(s) and specific concerns you noted regarding this conflict. As you discuss the issues in the conflict, identify concepts/theories that describe and help explain the elements in the conflict. You will need to integrate at least two sources (scholarly or otherwise….tend to credibility) beyond what is provided in the text. This section should provide the reader with a solid grounding for understanding how the theory can be applied to conflicts and how the theory is related to communication. (3-4 pagesdouble-spaced)
Specific concerns in your report might include:
a. What are the issues in the conflict?
b. What Psychological, Social and Contextual factors operate in the conflict?
c. Do these conflicts seem to move through stages (e.g., negotiation or Pondy)?
d. Do styles, gender, or culture influence this interaction?
e. What role may power play in the conflict?
f. Is face-saving a potential issue in this conflict?
g. What is the climate in this situation?
h. How do the individuals manage the conflict? Is the conflict productive? Could the individuals do better?
Do not just list answers to these questions in your report. These are some of the issues you might address. I do not want a mechanical analysis. I want to be able to see that you understand the conflict and applied concepts.
3. Remedy – Here you will develop suggestions to help the individuals deal with the conflict more effectively. This section will consist of general goals or objectives for improving the conflict and specific, concrete suggestions for achieving these objectives. You will need to integrate at least one source (scholarly or otherwise…..tend to credibility) beyond what is provided in the text. This section should provide the reader with a solid grounding for understanding how concepts can be applied to conflicts and how theory is related to communication. You must substantiate why your measures would work and are appropriate for the chosen conflict. (2-3 pages, double-spaced)
Grading Considerations:
• Format: 5-7 double-spaced, numbered pages.
• At least 3 sources cited outside of the textbook (2 for the diagnosis and 1 for the remedy). Use APA in-text citations.
• Include a reference page (APA format).
• No cover page necessary.
• Insight/Depth: A demonstration that you have a clear understanding of the nature of the conflict process in your chosen conflict and of the concepts and theories discussed.
• Evidence: Do you provide evidence for your claims? Do you cite your sources (including the class text) appropriately? Please use APA citation format.
• Utility: Could the group/pair implement the recommendations you have made?
• Clarity: Is the paper well-organized and clearly written? (mechanics of writing, sentence structure, spelling, etc.)
• Sophistication of concepts/theories applied: Do the chosen concepts effectively and specifically describe and give insight into the conflict under analysis? Are there more appropriate concepts that may be applied?
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