(BUS 773 - 1) Conflict Management
Instructor:
Office:
Office hours:
Email & Phone:
2022 Summer Session 1
Joseph Touchette, MBA
Instructor
Appointments scheduled as requested.
jtouchette@annamaria.edu n860-465-7850
REFERENCE TEXT(S)
“Managing Conflict in Organizations 4th edition.
M. Afzalur Rahim
(This can be found on Amazon and viewed on Kindle App. This is a cheap rental.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of Conflict Management in Organizations.
Now more than ever organizations need to learn and continuously change to improve their
competitive positions. Change is associated with conflict and dealing with conflict effectively
is essential for realizing the benefits of change. Learning organizations like Honda, Motorola,
Dow Corning, and General Electric have developed the kind of leadership, culture, and
organizational design needed to manage conflict effectively, but many organizations still
handle conflict ineffectively.
COURSE PHILOSOPHY
Everyone makes decisions which are deemed by others as either right or wrong. We will
review and study the issues related to conflict, and how conflict management plays a vital
role in determining outcomes. Assessment of how individual’s and company’s deal with
conflict, or don’t deal with conflict and how that shapes company culture. The roles and
dynamics of individual employees, managers and others within a company will be assessed
and entertained in class discussions and presentations.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Students will define, apply, and understand conflict management in the corporate
environment.
2. Students will identify techniques which assist businesses in leading, developing,
motivating, growing, and controlling, during times of conflict.
3. Students will utilize analytic and critical thinking to identify and differentiate right
from wrong in the decision-making process.
4. Students will develop professionalism in presentation techniques and gain confidence
in communication delivery through case analysis presentations.
5. Students will recognize the role of Conflict Management in the business world and
the possible outcomes of Conflict Management techniques.
6. Students will build upon verbal, non-verbal, written, electronic and presentation
communication skills.
CLASS PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
Participation and Attendance
Communication, interaction, and negotiation are all components utilized in the business
world and will be expected in this course. Business experience and textual materials will be
integrated in presenting the subject matter of this class.
Analysis of cases promotes a thinking process essential to solving everyday business
problems, identifying the important facts, determining the critical problem(s), applying
quantitative analysis, considering alternative solutions, recommending a course of action,
and substantiating any and all recommendations. All presentations are expected to be
professional with digital media designed in the appropriate business format. Class
contribution grades will be impacted by the quality of materials presented. (Spelling
counts!)
Each individual is a valuable resource and is expected to participate and contribute in
discussions in the class. It is expected that each student will read all of the assignments and
think about the following questions:
Do I understand the principles and theories read?
What are the implications of said principles and theories on an entrepreneur or
manager?
How would I apply the principles and theories studied in the workplace?
Often discussions are in small groups. This is a required part of the student’s grade. In
order to earn full participation points for a class, the student must add something of
substance to the discussion. This would include the following: Introduction of new
ideas, your perspectives, follow-up questions, etc.
Credit Hour Policy
As you plan your time each week, please keep in mind that according to the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges, you should expect to spend approximately two (2)
hours per week on coursework outside of the classroom for everyone (1) hour spent in the
classroom. Coursework can include reading, viewing PowerPoints, watching videos,
completing assignments, working on projects, writing essays, etc.
For example, for classes that meet three (3) hours per week, students should spend six (6)
hours per week on coursework outside of class.
Missed Class Policy
It is expected that students will attend all classes for the entire class period. If students
must miss a class or leave early, the instructor must be contacted prior to the class. A
make-up assignment appropriate to the missed content will be designed. Excusable
absences include but are not limited to: death in the immediate family, childbirth, marriage,
or illness. Documentation of the absence may be required. For example, an obituary or
doctor’s note.
Team Learning
Students are expected to work effectively in diverse groups and teams to achieve tasks and
to provide for differentiated analysis of materials. These approaches create opportunities for
sharing materials, building upon time management and team building skills which simulate
actual business practices. Collaboration and functioning well in team settings as both
leaders and followers are requirements of this course. Respecting human diversity and
behaving in a tolerant manner toward colleagues and peers are also expectations.
In this course, peer coaching model will be utilized. Becker (n.d.) defines peer coaching as a
“… process in which two or more professional colleagues work together for a specific,
predetermined purpose in order that teaching performance can be improved as well as
validated. The purpose may be to reflect on current practices or to expand, to refine, and
build new skills. Peer coaching can be utilized to share new ideas; to teach one another; to
conduct classroom observations; or to solve problems in the workplace. Peer coaching is
non-judgmental, and non-evaluative. Peer coaching focuses on the collaborative
development, refinement and sharing of professional knowledge and skills.” Becker, J. M. (n.d.)
Peer Coaching for Improvement of Teaching and Learning. Retrieved
July 07, 2016 from http://teachersnetwork.org/tnli/research/growth/becker.htm
Late Assignments
Late assignments will be penalized with a 10% grade deduction for each day late unless
you have made prior arrangements with the instructor. In the event the student falls behind
in the course for any reason, it is imperative that the instructor be contacted to discuss the
situation.
Academic Honesty
As an academic community centered in the Catholic Tradition, Anna Maria College expects
all members of the college community to act in a responsible and ethical manner and to
uphold the values, rules, and regulations of the College. The principles of individual honor,
integrity, responsibility, and respect for the rights of others are essential to student conduct
in both academic and co-curricular life.
You must always submit work that represents your original words or ideas. If any words or
ideas are used that do not represent your original words or ideas, you must cite all relevant
sources. You should also make clear the extent to which such sources were used. Words or
ideas that require citations include, but are not limited to, all hardcopy or electronic
publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the
content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable source. The student
handbook defines the standards of academic conduct as:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Intentional or accidental plagiarism in an academic exercise, which includes:
a. Direct or literal copying of a source without proper attribution;
b. Paraphrasing of a source without proper attribution;
c. Resubmission of one’s work in another academic exercise without the knowledge of both
instructors;
d. Submission of another’s work in whole or part with intent to deceive.
Giving or receiving unacknowledged, inappropriate, or unauthorized aid in an academic exercise.
Intentional falsification of data, sources, or information in an academic exercise.
Deceiving or lying to a Faculty member or Administrator in matters relating to an academic
requirement, policy, or procedure.
Acting in a disorderly or discourteous manner in an academic exercise or to a faculty member or
students during an academic exercise.
Accommodations and Support Services
Students with documented disabilities identified either before or after their admission to the
college, may request accommodations in the structure of a course or courses. The
responsibility for initiating such requests rests with the student. Students with disabilities
who seek course-based accommodations must meet with the Student Success Center staff
to request accommodations. The student must submit appropriate documentation of the
disability to the Student Success Center Director who will review the documentation and will
then discuss, with the student, which accommodations and support services are
appropriate. The Student Success Center, with the student’s written permission, will notify
the faculty member(s) involved of the specific classroom and/or course-based
accommodations that have been authorized. The Student Success Center will also arrange
need-based support services outside the classroom. All specific course-based
accommodations should be established at the beginning of each academic term. It is the
responsibility of the student to contact the professor to arrange for the necessary
accommodations. Accommodations set at the beginning of the term may be adjusted on an
as-needed basis (See Student Handbook). According to the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) a reasonable accommodation for some students in this course may be the use of a
tape recorder. Therefore, please note that there is a chance that this class may be recorded.
Communications
Students may contact the instructor via email or phone (at the email address and phone
number listed above). Responses will be made within 48 hours. In the event a class is
cancelled, the student will be contacted via email. This is a brief listing of expectations
regarding electronic communications:
 Always include a subject line with every email. I might suggest, Course Name – Your
name. If your message should go to my Spam folder, I would see your subject and
know it is important. If I receive a message with no subject and an attachment (possibly
your assignment); I will not open an attachment since it could be a potential virus.
When you send an attachment, I will confirm receipt. If you have not heard that I have
received your email/attachment, please email or telephone to confirm.
 Be polite. This could include using a greeting or closing, and many folks sign with merely
their initial. Start all notes with a salutation, such as Hi Professor.
 Run every message through spell check.
 Take another look before you send a message. Email is a public domain; do not send via
email anything that you would not be comfortable with posting on the bulletin board in
the supermarket.
 Be careful with irony and tone.
 Writing in all caps is like shouting.
 Email reflect on your professionalism
 Be brief or at least concise when writing e-mails.
 Please avoid abbreviations and slang when texting or instant messaging
Final Exam Policy
All students are required to be present at the scheduled day and time for each of their final
examinations. Excused absence from the scheduled day and time of a final examination
must be accompanied by a note from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and provided
to the instructor prior to the scheduled day and time. In accordance with the current Anna
Maria College Student Handbook, “Unexcused absence from a final examination constitutes
a failure in that examination.”
Code of Conduct
The Anna Maria College Community upholds and supports a Code of Conduct that is both
responsible and ethical in keeping with the values set forth by the Mission of the College.
The Code of Conduct affords a structure by which Directors of all graduate programs
reserve the right to expect professional behavior and respect for administration, faculty,
staff, and fellow students. It also serves as a protection for academic honesty, standards,
policies, and guidelines associated with all programs of study in the graduate school. Any
member of the college community may report, in writing, failure to adhere to the Anna
Maria College code of conduct to the Program Director. Decisions by Program Directors
regarding action to be taken may be appealed, in writing, within four weeks, to Graduate
Council who will report their findings to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Recommendations made for dismissal from any program must be decided in conjunction
with Graduate Council. Final decisions remain with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
A student dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons shall not be eligible to apply for
readmission to any course or program at Anna Maria College until a minimum of one
semester has elapsed, excluding summer sessions. A student who wishes to be considered
for readmission must submit a letter of petition to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
who shall consult with Associate Vice President, Program Director, and Graduate Council.
The student will be notified in writing by the Vice President for Academic Affairs if
readmission is approved or denied.
GRADUATE GRADING
Points
93+
90-92
87-89
84-86
80-83
77-79
74-76
<=73
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
F
METHOD, WEIGHT OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS & CALENDAR
Assignments are due and must be turned in or presented on the date due. Instructor
reserves the right to revise this calendar during the semester.
Date
5/4/22
Topic / Objective
Introduction, Syllabus Overview & Lecture
Read Chapter one
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
Answer following questions:
What are the Functional Outcomes of conflict in
Organizations?
What are the Dysfunctional outcomes of conflict in
Organizations?
Note: Questions above will be reviewed in class, but you
should understand each
5/11/22
Read Chapter 2
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
Answer the following questions:
1. Define the Term Conflict.
2. For conflict to occur, it has to exceed what?
3. What are the 12 classifications of conflict and
definitions of each.
5/18/22
Read Chapter 3
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
Answer the following questions:
1. Explain Single-Loop Learning.
2. Explain Double-Loop Learning.
3. What is an Appropriate Effectiveness Model?
5/25/22
Read Chapter 4
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
6/1/22
Read Chapter 5
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
Answer the following questions:
1. List the types of Intrapersonal Conflict. Explain
each.
2. Explain the Consequences of Role Conflict.
6/8/22
Read Chapter 6
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
Answer the following questions:
1. Explain the Prisoner’s Dilemma.
2. What does Fisher and Ury mean, when they say that
everybody is a negotiator? Was there a time that you
can remember that you had to negotiate for
something? Explain. How did the situation end up?
Would you use the same method again, or change
your strategy?
3. Explain the difference between Hard vs. Soft
Negotiating Styles.
6/15/22
Read Chapter 7
Be prepared to discuss the chapter.
Review previous chapters to prepare for final.
6/22/22
Final Exam -- TBD
It is expected that each student will be able to communicate effectively, substantiate
recommendations, and deliver with persuasion and confidence. Specifically, the student will
apply what is learned from the class, text, research and individual business experiences
when presenting in class. * The quality of effective class contribution and participation will
be determined by:
 Verbal responses with add value to topic under study by contributing original
thought and challenge to the lecture – often by presenting “real world” experiences
which can be shared in class.
 Clear presentation of your thoughts and ideas with appropriate business grammar
and jargon.
 The ability to effectively “stand up” to a challenge of your ideas from a classmate
and spontaneously formulate a meaningful response in a professional manner.
 Effective use of electronic visual media.
 The ability to hold and focus the audience’s attention on your point of view.

The ability to communicate convincingly to the audience. This is accomplished by
practicing and presenting well organized material. Students should work to develop
effective speaking, listening, and the proper use of nonverbal communication
(including eye contact, gestures and voice quality) skills. The ability to inspire
interest in your presentation through the appropriate emphasis, language skills,
recapitulation, interesting examples and showing enthusiasm for your topic.
If a student wishes to challenge a grade on any assignment, including the final course
grade, a written request must be received within 7 days of the posting of the grade.