Power and Conflict

Power and conflict

I was part of a group to help raise money for McMillan cancer research. What this entailed was selling tea or coffee and biscuits to help raise money for cancer research. The target goal we set was to raise £500 however we did not achieve this goal, we did however manage to raise £334 which was given to the McMillan cancer research charity. There were some conflicts within the group that could link to the failure to achieve our pre-set target of £500, There were a lot of arguments in the planning process where conflicts in ideas kept coming up. These small conflicts were dealt with in a democratic way where any conflicting ideas were put to a vote within the group.
However on the day of the event there was a large conflict between two members of the group where there was verbal abuse from both of the parties involved which caused them both to abandon the event which meant the group suddenly found itself two members down and the other members became very stretched and rushed off their feet trying to help compensate for the two members who found themselves in a large conflict over the placement of the advertising posters. To handle the conflict I was sent in as a peace maker and talked to the two persons involved in the conflict and get them calmed down and focused back on the event, they returned to their tables to help raise the money eventually raised.

Coercive power - This is the power to force someone to do something against their will. It is often physical although other threats may be used. For example, A Large chain of coffee stores forcing a small family owned coffee store out of business forcing them to sell.
Reward power - One of the main reasons we work is for the money we need to conduct our lives. There are many more forms of reward -- in fact anything desirable can be a reward, from a million dollar yacht to a pat on the back. For example an employee will be motivated to do a better job if there is a reward as an incentive, employee of the month is a perfect example of this.
Expert power - When I have knowledge and skill that someone else requires, then I have Expert power. For example a chef is needed to prepare food for customers due to his expert power.
Legitimate power - Legitimate power is that which is invested in a role. Kings, policemen and managers all have legitimate power. The legitimacy may come from a higher power, often one with coercive power. For example a police officer will have legitimate power which means they will be respected in a higher regard due to their uniform and title.
Referent power - This is the power from another person liking you or wanting to be like you. It is the power of charisma and fame and is wielded by all celebrities (by definition) as well as more local social leaders. This is generally a role model where persons will try to emulate there hero’s. (phillip,1993)






5 strategies that can be used to overcome conflict at work;
1. Human resource management policies and procedures, these policies can be used to resolve conflicts.
2. Ensure good communications, consultation and involvement in decision making between everyone involved.
3. Clarify goals and objectives and ensure everyone is clear as to what is expected of them in relation to their job.
4. Ensure that employees have the chance to air grievances and have a grievance policy and procedure.
5. Ensure that there is a disciplinary procedure which everyone is aware of, this will help to see exactly what happened.
The conflict previously stated will be very suitable for this question, where the two parties in question were in conflict over the placement of the advertisement. The strategy that was used to calm this situation was to ensure that the employees had their chance to air their grievances, after both persons said what they had to say in a controlled environment we were able to get back to the event that was starting to get out of control.
This conflict resolution worked very well under the extreme circumstances and any other of the strategies would only have hindered the event further.
In conclusion there will always be conflict within the work place and everyday life however there are methods to overcoming these conflicts.
Power can be view and used in many different was, but power is earned, therefore if someone is in a position of power they are there for a reason and hopefully the power they have will not be used to abuse.

References;
Phillip, V. (1993), Managerial power, verge publishing, west Holbrooke