James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

LB5515 - Workplace Conflict Management

Subject Description

In both the private and public sectors conflict is an intrinsic part of organisational life. Unmanaged, or poorly managed, conflict leads to high financial and transactional costs. Managed well, conflict is the catalyst for creating value. At a broad level, this subject examines the development of systems and structures to facilitate conflict resolution and co-operative decision-making in organisations. It reviews national and local employment laws, HR and Industrial Relations issues for managers and executives, and practical tools and techniques for issue identification and workplace conflict management. At an applied level, the subject also deals with challenging contemporary workplace issues, like workplace bullying and harassment, performance management and social media at the workplace.

Learning Outcomes

• evaluate complex conflict and related theories and standards for professional practice in CMR
• critically analyse complex conflicts and conflict management systems
• provide specialised advice to assist individuals, groups and organisations to constructively manage conflict
• independently and critically reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback as appropriate, to support personal and professional development
• exercise independent ethical judgment and initiative in conflict management and resolution practice and research

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Brief - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (10%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

This subject will be taught online through LearnJCU. Students must engage in online learning from the first week of the study period and throughout the entire study period. There will be online collaborate sessions scheduled throughout the semester.

Assumed Knowledge:  We do not recommend enrolling in this subject as your very first subject at JCU, unless you are concurrently enrolled in one of the core subjects of the Grad Cert or Master of Conflict Management and Resolution, or you have been given advanced standing for the core subjects of your degree.

Availabilities