Responding to Conflict

Write a 4-5 page analysis and a response e-mail to address a growing controversy depicted in the

Riverbend City: Communication and Organizational Effectiveness

scenario.

Introduction

While communication (or lack of it) can often cause workplace conflict, it can also be the solution for addressing it. Knowing how to communicate in increasingly stressful environments is a skill that will serve you well both professionally and personally.

Overview

Responding effectively to a situation rife with conflict requires a variety of communication techniques. In this assessment, you will analyze and respond to a growing controversy depicted in the Riverbend City: Communication and Organizational Effectiveness scenario by writing a team communication and subsequently analyzing your approach to devising it.

Preparation

Explore Riverbend City: Communication and Organizational Effectiveness.

Scenario

Imagine you just came back from lunch and found the email string regarding the proposed EOC staff meeting related in the scenario. It’s your plan to address the situation, and it’s your intent to do it in a single email that demonstrates leadership and a keen understanding of the issue, participants, and their associated dynamics.

Instructions

Complete both parts of this assessment.

Part 1: Analyze Your Approach to the Issue

Describe your approach to constructing your email.

• Describe possible causes for the caustic exchange depicted in the email chain. Consider possible core organizational issues. State any assumptions that you might need to make regarding the scenario to support your assertions.
• Justify why your message would likely be effective. Consider content, tone, style, et cetera.
• Explain your intent for how your message might impact future communications and actions among team members.

Part 2: Write a Response Email

Write an email that effectively addresses the email chain. It should:

• Properly consider the audience, your position, and the circumstances.
• Articulate a well-conceived solution to the problem.
• Effectively end the thread completely and de-escalate the tension.
• Send a message that this exchange was “sub-optimal.”

Additional Requirements

The assessment is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Length: 4–5 pages, double spaced.

Portfolio Prompt: You should consider adding this assessment to your personal

ePortfolio

. For more information, visit the Campus ePortfolio page.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Analyze business communication situations.

  Describe possible causes for the caustic exchange depicted in the email chain.
  Explain why a message would likely be effective.

• Competency 2: Apply fundamental principles of organizational communication.

  Write an email that meets specified criteria.

• Competency 3: Analyze the interrelationships of communication within organizational systems.

  Describe likely core organizational issues that were exposed by the original email.
  Describes how a message might plausibly affect future communications and actions among team members.

• Competency 5: Communicate effectively and professionally.

  Convey clear meaning with grammar, usage, word choice, and mechanics.