Social life is the dominance of one group over another, and politics is the rhetorical justification of that group's control. Being uncomfortable with change: Reorganizations, budget cuts, new clients, or fresh strategies that are outside your comfort zone can be exhilarating for some people . WEAKNESSES-Assumes people are rational who seek to maximize status at the expense of others-sees conflict as inevitable Conflict Resolution: Identifying Your Own Weaknesses as a Manager, Conflict Resolution at Work For Dummies Cheat Sheet, Asking Questions to Help Resolve a Workplace Conflict. Hiding: Dropping off the face of the Earth when uncertainty is in the air gives you a few minutes of calm, but it doesn’t change the fact that you have a responsibility to your team to keep them informed and to keep the chaos in check. and gut wrenching for others. Using three main theories, which sociologists use to study a society on how it runs, we will explore each theory, its strengths and weaknesses, and each The strength of conflict theory is that it seeks moral ends: the emancipation of humanity from false claims of "universality." The reality is that it is "freedom for them." It is always present wherever society is. Conflict Resolution: Identifying Your Own Weaknesses as a Manager By Vivian Scott To successfully resolve conflict among employees, a manager must first … There is a lacking presence of the study of conflict theory in mainstream research. Strengths and Weaknesses of Conflict Theory. WALTER JOHNSON 29 SEP 2017 CLASS. Universality is when one group takes power and seeks to justify it on the grounds that it represents "freedom for all." Remind yourself of your ultimate goal, and keep your employees’ interests in mind at all times. Conflict theory has strengths in its macro view of society. . It also allows your team to show its strength and feel closer by supporting you when you need it. Here are a few obstacles that can stand in your way of being an effective manager — and a skillful mediator: Letting egos get in the way: Taking credit for work you had little or no part in, dismissing the efforts of employees, or clamoring to get your name mentioned before those on your team is not only egotistical, but it also turns the very people who are there to support you against you. Or maybe your boss is pushing for more than you can deliver and you’re simply out of your element. This mode of "unmasking" is one of the most attractive elements of critical/conflict theory. To successfully resolve conflict among employees, a manager must first have the confidence and skill in being a good manager. If you don’t have all the information, be willing to ask for help. Pushing a boulder uphill with all hands on deck is easier than going it alone. Fighting: If you’re uncomfortable or unhappy with changes that are occurring, you may decide to fight the new world order with everything you’ve got. Admitting that you made a mistake or need assistance makes you human. Leaving your employees to fend for themselves breeds discontent. The Structural Functional Theory, Social Conflict Theory 1817 Words | 8 Pages. If you’re not available, employees have to deal with the stress and confusion on their own. If the ideas are shot down and the group receives a clear “no,” at least they can move on with you rather than against you. countries to high-income countries. structural functionalism strength reminds of the need for order and stability each institution serves Vivian Scott is a Certified Mediator in private practice and a retired Microsoft marketing manager. If you’re a manager who doesn’t do well with change and you’re stuck in the middle of one, you may resort to. But if your team is willing to come up with viable alternatives to a decision, and you just want to give up, their morale can be seriously affected and you could be setting the stage for irreparable harm. . While the conflict theory suggests that competition and class struggles are natural and necessary for survival, certain limitations also come with the territory. Lack of Research. Yes, fighting for what you believe in is important, but don’t forget to take a break once in a while and reassess the situation. She is a member of the Washington Mediation Association and volunteers as a mediator at the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish & Island Counties. Lacking training or skills: Every once in a while, you’ll come up against a situation that tests your knowledge and capabilities. strengths and weaknesses of the sociological perspectives. Be a cheerleader for your team, and they’ll return the favor. Surrendering: Often, accepting the inevitable makes sense, and finding ways to communicate the benefits of a change (even one that on the surface doesn’t appear to have any good points!) STRENGTHS-well exemplifies the real conditions people find themselves in-recognizes multiple groups in society who do not necessarily share similar values, beliefs, opportunities. Instead, put your energy to good use and help the group formulate a cohesive response that takes all sides into account. helps your employees work through disappointing decisions. A period of change is not the time to inadvertently bring your team together against you or sit on the sidelines as people get their résumés in order. Owning up to the possibility that you may not have every skill or quality it takes to be an effective manager is tough. Abstracting different portions of society into different groups allows easier analysis for interactions between these groups. Demonstrate your willingness to be vulnerable, and your staff will be more likely to admit their own shortfalls instead of going to great lengths to cover them up. Maybe it’s that one employee who doesn’t respond to your usual approaches or techniques. Using universalist rhetoric to disguise specific domination is a common means of controlling discourse and political debate. This is the main claim of conflict/critical theory.