Course Description: Managing Conflict and Change

Change and conflict are inherent in any organization or community and affect personal and group dynamics and effectiveness. This course will explore the sources of conflict through the lenses of the individual, organizations/teams, and communities. We’ll look at the influences of power and cultural shifts; changes in resources, organizational structure and leadership, and changes in demographics and group composition, and stakeholder expectations. The works and thinking of Kegan and Laskow Lahey, Kotter, Lewin, the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument and others will guide the examination of various conflict styles and change processes and their impact on interpersonal and group relations, organizational effectiveness and health, client/constituent relations, and employee productivity and morale. Students will explore methods of conflict resolution, fostering collaboration, inclusive decision-making, communication, and mediation through active participation and analysis.  The 8-week course is offered online and includes a 2-hour ZOOM class, lecture, independent work, class discussions, small group activities, and student presentations.