Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design

Abstract

This paper originates with discussing sources of conflict and conflict management styles. These styles are discussed in length in regards to cooperativeness and assertiveness and examples of when the various styles are effective are provided. Next the paper discusses evidence-based management and how it is not used as much as expected in the healthcare arena. This leads into where it is utilized and how it can be adopted by utilizing four strategies. The paper then delves into the blocks, stages and methods of creative decision making and determines the best approach for hospitals would be the electronic brainstorming method. Finally, the paper discusses the environmental and strategic factors that affect the organizational design of a hospital.

Discuss how you could apply negotiation strategies to address potential conflicts in the workplace.

Whenever you have individuals that spend as much time together as what people do in the workplace today there inevitably will be conflicts that arise. Dealing with these conflicts in a manner where there is understanding on both sides would be the ultimate goal. Negotiation is defined by Hellriegel and Slocum as, “a process in which two or more interdependent individuals or groups who perceive that they have both common and conflicting goals state and discuss proposals and preferences for specific terms of a possible agreement.” (Hellriegel & Slocum, Jr., 2011, p. 395).

There can be many sources of conflict within an organization. In today’s economy, scarce resources are often a source of conflict. There simply is not enough money, people, or supplies to get the jobs done in a way that most people would like to conduct their jobs. Conflicts may also arise when job duties or responsibilities are not clear in the job descriptions. Other conflicts may occur as a result of differences in personalities, values, beliefs or