Rough Day @ Work: Resolving Conflict Through an Online Simulation
In E. Biech (Ed.), The 2012 Pfeiffer Annual of Training. San Francisco: Pfeiffer
14 Pages Posted: 10 Feb 2014 Last revised: 14 Apr 2015
Date Written: 2012
Abstract
Rough Day @ Work is an online role-play simulation designed to help managers improve and increase their skills in managing intra-organizational conflict situations. In addition, it allows participants to practice bringing their conflict management skills to bear through online communication.
Two employees working together suffer from intense clashes of style and personality. Their constant bickering is not only affecting their own productivity, but that of the entire department. Their manager refers them to a new online mediation program administered by the Human Resources department.
This simulation is designed to be carried out via email exchanges, but can also be tailored to be used through other communication platforms such as videoconferencing.
Students can be assigned reading material on the topic of email negotiation and online mediation, before or after the simulation, including:
http://ssrn.com/abstract=2161451
http://ssrn.com/abstract=2348111
http://ssrn.com/abstract=2167856
http://ssrn.com/abstract=1392474.
For more on teaching negotiation and mediation online, including use of online simulations, see:
http://ssrn.com/abstract=1916792
http://ssrn.com/abstract=2409075
For another simulation conducted through email exchanges (this one a negotiation simulation), see:
Keywords: Conflict, simulation, online, online dispute resolution, organizational conflict, ODR, ADR, email, videoconference
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation