BUS 526 Assignment 2 Conflict Resolution – Strayer University | BUS526 Negotiation & Conflict Resolution {2020}

BUS 526 Assignment 2 Conflict Resolution – Strayer University Conflict Resolution Tanya Middleton Dr. Joseph Pionke BUS 526: Negotiation & Conflict Resolution November 10, 2020 Introduction Conflict can happen on many different levels between all types of groups, however, conflict in the workplace can cause a lot of stress on everyone involved. How that conflict is resolved is what’s important. This year one of biggest conflicts occurred between General Motors and the United Auto Workers, when the workers decided to go on strike because they didn’t agree with what General Motors was giving them. The United Auto Workers union is leading its first strike against General Motors Co. in 12 years, digging in for a fight over jobs and benefits that could cost the carmaker dearly for an indefinite period (UAW Strike, 2019). It’s important for both sides to know what is important to them, remain ethical, and to try and come to a resolution in a timely manner. Negotiation Process When entering negotiations whether it’s for a major company, employee to management, making a major purchase, just between friends it’s important each party knows what they want and if they are willing to compromise. Having this knowledge ahead of time could help to resolve any conflict that may come up. In the case of the United Auto Workers (UAW) they went on strike because their current pay, health insurance premiums, and retirement benefits that all temporary and permanent employees were receiving. With the strike is could “cost General Motors (GM) about $50 million a day in earnings before interest and taxes due to lost production” (UAW Strike, 2019). A proposed way to alleviate or mitigate the conflict between GM and the UAW could be for both sides to assure their counterparts that they will do their best to meet the goals, identify all progress, suggest alternatives to the deal, have a BATNA and WATNA, and lastly to seek a win-win. The proposed suggestions do go for both sides. The reason for the UAW to go on strike are very important to them, therefore, that is why they felt the need to strike because they wanted to make sure that GM understood the importance. Since GM doesn’t have the manpower to keep the company operating at full compacity the UAW have more power in terms of negotiations. Most negotiators believe that power is important because it gives one negotiator an advantage over the other party (Lewicki, Saunders, & Barry, 2015). It’s safe to say that the UAW does have - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lastly, the strike is hurting dealership across the nation. There are millions of current consumers that are owners of GM vehicles that need to be serviced. Should those consumers need to take their vehicle in for service they may not be able to fix the issue if it requires getting a part from the headquarters. This can cause consumer to seek out a company that can assist them causing them to shop with the competition. When something like this happens it’s a good idea for there to be backup company to use temporarily that will offer a good price on the products. This can help to please current consumers until the mediation is complete, ending the strike. In closing, conflict at work is hard to predict and, in some cases, even harder to resolve. It’s up to the employee and management to find the best way to discuss the conflict and come to resolution that both or all parties involved are comfortable with. References Fisher, J. (2019, October 14). UAW strikes at Mack production facilities. Fleet Owner Exclusive Insight. p1. Retrieved from: Lewicki, R., Saunders, D., & Barry, B. (2015). Negotiation. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. UAW Strikes at GM for better pay, benefits (2019, September 16). Fleet Owner Exclusive Insight. Retrieved from: