Resolving Conflicts in Group Projects |
Conflict
during work on group projects can have several
causes. Some conflicts result from differences
in opinion on what constitutes good work (e.g., “We
should include this information and not that.”).
Other conflicts result because of difficulties
with the process, as, for example, when a member
fails to complete work on time (or even fails
to do the work at all). Don’t be afraid
of conflict—it is normal, even healthy,
and can, if handled properly, result in a better
final product. The important thing in resolving
conflict is to keep the focus on the task, not
on personalities. Your group must assume collective
responsibility for solving any problems, so discard
the notion that one member must win. The group
wins if you all work together to negotiate disputes
and get on with the work. Try the following strategies.
1. Clarify
the problem. Share your ideas on what you each
think the problem is and then work as a group
to develop a statement of the problem that everyone
accepts. For example, the problem could be that
one member never contributes to group discussions
or that a member did not meet the deadline for
a task. Don’t lay blame or be accusatory.
Simply define the problem in neutral, objective
language.
2. Determine
the cause of the problem. If a member doesn’t
contribute to discussions, it could be that he
or she is shy. If someone doesn’t meet
a deadline, perhaps he or she had a family crisis
or was ill (or perhaps can’t set priorities
and manage time effectively).
3. Generate
solutions to the problem without, at this point,
criticizing or evaluating any of them. Come up
with as many solutions as you can.
4. Evaluate
each of the solutions in terms of how logical
it is and how it will help you complete the project.
Think in terms of “What would happen if
. . .?” For example, think of what would
happen if the group encouraged a quiet person
to contribute to discussions—the project
would benefit from that person’s ideas.
If someone has failed to meet a deadline because
of illness or some other legitimate reason, what
would happen if the group helped out by taking
on some of the work? The rest of you would have
to work harder, but the project would get back
on track. If someone is slacking and your code
of conduct has a “kick out clause,” what
would happen if you implemented that clause?
The rest of you would have even more work, but,
again, you’d be able to get on with the
project.
5. Pick
a solution based on your evaluation of what is
best for the group and the project and on your
willingness to live with the consequences. For
instance, if the solution means more work, you
all must be willing to accept that. If the solution
fails miserably, and there is still time, brainstorm
again and try another solution.
© The Learning Success Centre, Ryerson University
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