1. Module 4 Assignment 1 1
Module 4 Assignment 1
E7233 Organization Communication Internship & Seminar
Argosy University Sarasota
Dr. Richard Elliott
Daniel Downs
2/24/11

2. Module 4 Assignment 1 2
I feel that the collaboration approach is the conflict resolution approach in a variety of
situations. The collaboration approach includes a “Preference for ideally balancing
people and task concerns during conflict”.( Zalabak, P. S. ,2006) I feel as this approach
would allow me to understand the dynamics and context of the conflict in my
organization. Often I feel that conflict in the organization begins with unclear
communication betweens different employees and organizational leaders.
“Conflict tactics can be described as communication behaviors that attempt to move
the conflict toward escalation, reduction, maintenance at the present level, or avoidance.
( Zalabak, P. S. ,2006) Using the collaborative approach I feel that the tactic of bringing
indivuals together and sorting out issues in a open communicative ways helps to repress
more escalaltion of an issue and creates a new dialogue which builds listening skills and a
feeling of understanding. I believe a win win situation can usually be reached in one
format or another.
I feel that this communication style best suits me because I feel as though I can be a
good listener who will look at each scenario as fairly as possible and try to resolve issues.
I believe this approach is also more effective than avoidance or compromise in that it
looks to make decisions based on a collective effort of those involved in the conflict.
I feel as though the avoidance style is not assertive enough for me. “The goal is to
delay. It is appropriate to use this style when there are issues of low importance, to reduce
tensions, or to buy time.”( Collaboration Toolbox ,2001) This approach may be good when
tensions are running high and things need to settled down more before a direct approach
is taken.

3. Module 4 Assignment 1 3
The approach which I believe could next serve my needs is the accommodating
approach. This approach is similiar to the collaborative but “is low assertiveness and high
cooperativeness; the goal is to yield” ( Collaboration Toolbox ,2001). This approach would
probbly be a back up solution to my original goal of the collaborative approach. The
option to yield may be the only one.

4. Module 4 Assignment 1 4
References
Collaboration Toolbox || MODULE 1 > Conflict Management. (2001). MIT. Retrieved March 25,
2011, from http://web.mit.edu/collaboration/mainsite/modules/module1/1.11.5.html
Zalabak, P. S. (2006). 3. Fundamentals of organizational communication: knowledge, sensitivity,
skills, values (9. ed., pp.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.