Conflict_Resolution

1. For this assignment I chose the video clip from The Office, “Conflict Resolution” http://www.tbs.com/video/index.jsp'eref=google&oid=156484. In this clip a work colleague named Jim plays a practical joke on his coworker Dwight by placing his stapler in a Jell-O mold. Apparently this is not the first time Jim has captured Dwight’s belongings and placed them in Jell-O. The aspect of conflict I’d like to address is the history of harassment between the two men. 2. The type of conflict in play during this video clip is Déjà vu, which means the conflict follows a predictable and repeated pattern. In this clip Dwight states, “That’s the third time, and it wasn’t funny the other two times.” This clearly shows that Jim has a repeated pattern for harassing Dwight. 3. In my opinion this situation demonstrated both “a personality clash” and “a power struggle”. Dwight references things being too relaxed at the office and being a volunteer Sherriff’s Deputy on the weekends, both of these comments give me the impression he feels a need for control and power. Jim’s behavior is threatening to Dwight because it humiliates him and he feels powerless. Jim on the other hand is very laid back and I believe his motivation was to have a little fun and break up the monotony of their work environment. Therefore I draw the conclusion that from Jim’s perspective it was a way to lighten his mood and the two coworkers obviously have a major “personality clash”. 4. Jim’s boss Michael chose the method of “skirting” or using humor to avoid dealing with the conflict. 5. The setting in this office is one of low power-distance cultures; so Dwight feels comfortable demanding his boss Michael handle the problem and discipline Jim. Michael mocks Dwight and ends up skirting the issue by laughing at an insulting apology Jim makes that contains a sarcastic remark. Another co-worker joins in on the fun and Jim is totally ignored. In no way was the conflict resolved and the issue is clearly one of cumulative annoyance. 6. Keeping in mind this particular video clip and Chapter 9, I would say the best way I can apply what I’ve learned would be in my personal relationship with my mom. My mother is very much like Dwight in that she has a need for power and can be very demanding. We have a great deal of conflict in our relationship and I’d say my best defense has always been “skirting”. When I ignore the conflict or make light of it I only add to her fire. The cumulative annoyance has grown so great that more often than not we just don’t speak to each other anymore. I know see that when my mother employs her domination techniques I usually skirt the issue or separate from her. Another strategy I employ when I’m in a particularly patient mood is that I will accommodate her, this one is her favorites but it comes back to bite me every time. Give em’ an inch, they take a mile. Unfortunately I think this relationship falls under the category of unsolvable conflicts. That being said I will keep in mind all of these things I have learned and try to see things from a less emotional approach. The knowledge I have from this book will help me in the future to think about the psychology behind our interaction before responding.