Question 1

Explain how the reformed sinner strategy can help to elicit cooperative interaction between negotiating parties.

Accepted Answer

(By initially competing the party demonstrates that he/she could use force and be tough, but when he/she changes to cooperative moves, these moves are likely to be taken as sincere and they gain respect for the person. The person is seen as choosing to be nice, when they have demonstrated that they have the ability to be forceful.)

Question 2

Research has found that it is often useful if parties conflict combines both collaborating and competing because:

Accepted Answer

A)  collaborating and competing are basically the same processes 
B)  collaboration lays the groundwork for successful competing 
C)  competing develops character and collaboration promotes humility 
D)  competing sharpens the conflict and collaborating moves parties towards a mutually acceptable position 
E)  competing fogs the conflict and collaboration sharpens the differences D

Question 3

Assume that one work team member says that the problem his team has is: "To complete the assigned project in a timely and successful manner." Which of the following statements would reflect a broadening of the problem, according to the
Problem-purpose expansion technique?

Accepted Answer

A)  To rush the project so that it is completed early 
B)  To obtain more resources so the project is done well 
C)  To eliminate non-productive members of the team 
D)  To keep our manager satisfied with our work 
E)  To push back the deadline so the project can be seen as being done on time D

Question 4

The problem-purpose expansion technique is used in conflict management initiatives primarily to:

Accepted Answer

A)  make sure every problem is seen as having a single purpose behind it 
B)  overcome narrow thinking in the framing of problems and issues 
C)  expand problems so that more parties can become involved in a conflict 
D)  allow a mediator to define the nature of the problem for the parties 
E)  build trust in the group that their problem has a reasonable solution

Question 5

There are many known factors that influence whether forgiveness is extended after some perceived transgression. Which of the following factors is likely to encourage someone not to forgive another for a perceived offense?

Accepted Answer

A)  empathy for the offender 
B)  desire for revenge against the offender 
C)  likeability of the offender 
D)  desire to restore the relationship 
E)  fear of personal isolation

Question 6

The reason that the superordinate goal strategy works in promoting cooperative climates is that:

Accepted Answer

A)  when a goal is imposed on a group by a leader, groups lose their leadership 
B)  when a goal is unattainable, people like to commiserate with each other 
C)  when a goal is unattainable, people suppress their motivation to succeed 
D)  when different groups have to work together on a common goal, inter-group conflict tends to decrease 
E)  when a goal is motivating, groups develop new organizational structures to manage their work more effectively

Question 7

In general, mediation programs that are established within organizations to address disputes between employees are considered to be which type of dispute resolution system?

Accepted Answer

A)  rights based system 
B)  power based system 
C)  interest based system 
D)  climate based system 
E)  differentiation based system

Question 8

Which of the following recommendations would be inconsistent with advice that is known to promote collaborative climates for addressing difficult conflicts?

Accepted Answer

A)  avoid changing your mind only to avoid conflict or reach agreement 
B)  encourage offering a wide range of ideas to consider and evaluate 
C)  actively try to understand the other party's perspective and views 
D)  view initial, quick agreements as suspect 
E)  be realistic and assume that someone must win and someone must lose

Question 9

There are different kinds of dispute resolution systems that can be created within organizations to address conflicts. A university hearing panel composed of faculty and students designed to assess disciplinary charges that are made against students who live in university dorms is which type of dispute resolution system?

Accepted Answer

A)  climate-based system 
B)  interest-based system 
C)  power-based system 
D)  rights-based system 
E)  quasi-competitive system

Exam 8: Managing Conflict

Explain how the reformed sinner strategy can help to elicit cooperative interaction between negotiating parties.