Describe some of the factors that led this situation to become an open conflict. B. How can Matt and Peter develop an active problem-solving discussion to resolve this conflict?
The sound of Matt and Peter’s arguing is familiar to everyone in the office by now. In
an effort to make the best use of space and ensure a free flow of discussion and ideas, the founder
of Markay Design had decided to convert the one-floor office of the company to an open plan
with no walls between workers. The goal of such a layout is to eliminate boundaries and enhance
creativity. But for Matt and Peter, the new arrangement creates a growing sense of tension.
The argument boils down to the question of workspace order and organization. Peter prefers to
keep his desk completely clean and clear, and he keeps a stack of cleaning wipes in a drawer to
eliminate any dust or dirt. Matt, on the other hand, likes to keep all his work visible on his desk,
so, sketches, plans, magazines, and photos are scattered everywhere, alongside boxes of crackers
and coffee cups. Peter finds it hard to concentrate when he sees Matt’s piles of material
everywhere, while Matt fells he can be more organize constantly. Many of Matt and Peter’s
coworkers wish they would just let the issue drop. The men enjoyed a good working relationship
in the past, with Peter’s attention to detail and thorough planning serving to rein in some of Matt’s
wild inspirations. But of late, their collaborations have been derailed In disputes. Completely
avoiding conflict can be equally negative. An emerging body of research has examined so-called
conflict cultures in organizations. The findings suggest having a culture that actively avoids and
suppresses conflicts is associated with lower levels of creativity. Cultures that push conflict
underground but do not succeed in reducing the underlying tensions can become passive-
aggressive, marked by underhanded behavior against other coworkers. Both Matt and Peter worry
that if they can’t find a solution, their usually positive work relationship will be too contentious to
bear.
A. Describe some of the factors that led this situation to become an open conflict.
B. How can Matt and Peter develop an active problem-solving discussion to resolve this
conflict?
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