Module Code - Title:
PM6402
-
CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The professional body for HR in Ireland and the UK, the CIPD, has noted that conflict is a common occurrence at work but that a significant proportion of conflicts often go unresolved and people managers can be as likely to make situations worse as help to resolve them. The skills and competence required to resolve conflicts at work are fundamental to modern people management professionals. While the study of conflict resolution often has a practice-based focus, there has been significant theoretical developments in the field which can enlighten students on the causes of conflict. The accurate diagnosis of workplace conflict is important for the selection of appropriate conflict resolution methods.
Syllabus:
Theoretical perspectives on conflict and conflict management; organisational processes of dispute resolution; distributive and interest-based bargaining; conflict resolution skills such as articulating arguments; trends in collective and individual employment dispute resolution; third-party processes in including adjudication and mediation; cross cultural conflict resolution; the function of national and international conflict resolution agencies.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Identify various theoretical perspectives of conflict in the employment relationship
2. Critically evaluate organisational practices and procedures in resolving conflict
3. Critically evaluate alternative dispute resolution
4. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental personal skills to help resolve conflicts
5. Show graduate attributes of curiosity and articulation.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 6. Acknowledge and discuss the value of analytic skills with respect to resolving workplace conflicts.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Recent research indicates that employer perceptions of how well their organisation deals with conflict are not matched by employee perceptions. This has informed the module design by widening the theoretical perspectives on conflict management, integrating problem-based learning and case studies based on actual conflicts (available in the public domain). The module is also influenced by the findings of research that points to the importance of deep process skills of negotiators involved in private dispute resolution in Irish organisations. The module addresses students understanding of skills repertoires through simulations, video analysis and workshops with people management professionals.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Teague, P., Roche, W.K., Gormley, T., and Currie, D. (2015)
Managing Workplace Conflict: Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ireland
, IPA
Roche, WK., Teague, P., and Colvin, A. (2014)
Oxford Handbook of Conflict Management
, Oxford University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Thompson, L (2021)
The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator
, Prentice Hall
Lewicki, R.J., Saunders, D.M and Minton, J.W (2016)
Essentials of negotiation
, McGraw-Hill
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSHRMATFA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MSHRMATPA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MSHURMTFA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Michelle.OSullivan@ul.ie