7/28/2019 Strategies for Resolving Conflicts in Group Projects

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RYERSON UNIVERSITY

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Strategies for Resolving Conflicts in Group Projects

Conflict during work on group projects can have several causes. Some conflicts resultfrom differences in opinion on what constitutes good work (e.g., We should include thisinformation and not that.). Other conflicts result because of difficulties with the process,as, for example, when a member fails to complete work on time (or even fails to do thework at all). Dont be afraid of conflictit is normal, even healthy, and can, if handledproperly, result in a better final product. The important thing in resolving conflict is tokeep the focus on the task, not on personalities. Your group must assume collective

responsibility for solving any problems, so discard the notion that one member must win.The group wins if you all work together to negotiate disputes and get on with the work.Try the following strategies.

1. Clarify the problem. Share your ideas on what you each think the problem is andthen work as a group to develop a statement of the problem that everyone accepts. For

example, the problem could be that one member never contributes to group discussions orthat a member did not meet the deadline for a task. Dont lay blame or be accusatory.Simply define the problem in neutral, objective language.

2. Determine the cause of the problem. If a member doesnt contribute to discussions, it

could be that he or she is shy. If someone doesnt meet a deadline, perhaps he or she hada family crisis or was ill (or perhaps cant set priorities and manage time effectively).

3. Generate solutions to the problem without, at this point, criticizing or evaluating any

of them. Come up with as many solutions as you can.

4. Evaluate each of the solutions in terms of how logical it is and how it will help youcomplete the project. Think in terms of What would happen if . . .? For example, thinkof what would happen if the group encouraged a quiet person to contribute to discussionsthe project would benefit from that persons ideas. If someone has failed to meet adeadline because of illness or some other legitimate reason, what would happen if the

group helped out by taking on some of the work? The rest of you would have to workharder, but the project would get back on track. If someone is slacking and your code ofconduct has a kick out clause, what would happen if you implemented that clause? Therest of you would have even more work, but, again, youd be able to get on with the

project.

5. Pick a solution based on your evaluation of what is best for the group and the projectand on your willingness to live with the consequences. For instance, if the solutionmeans more work, you all must be willing to accept that. If the solution fails miserably,and there is still time, brainstorm again and try another solution.