Identify one of the conflict-handling styles
In this case study, Robert is showing a competing conflict handling style. There is a clear and vivid evident of this in which it is shown that Robert is insisting for a monetary compensation for his team due to their hard work. Robert believes that the profit of the company is increasing due to his team’s dedication.
Choose one of the characters and determine which bargaining approach
The character that I use is Kay. From the case study, we could see that Kay is offering some solutions to satisfy Robert’s demand such as involving Robert’s team in the new project, overseas assignments, and possible promotions to various leadership positions. She is offering all these things when she knows that the company is trying to expand and diversify, in which this would use up the majority of the profit increase for at least the last five year. It is clear that Kay is attempting to meet Robert’s demand and searching for solutions which favour both parties. Therefore, it can be concluded that Kay is adopting an Integrative bargaining approach towards Robert.
What aspect of interpersonal communication is contributing to the poor working environment?
Based on the case study, we could conclude that the lack of listening skill is contributing to the poor working environment. This is shown based on Robert being too obsessed with the idea of getting paid more instead of looking at the bigger picture for the future of the company. Eventhough he has been offered various alternatives by Kay such as involvement with new projects, overseas assignments, and possible job promotions he is still insisting that receiving monetary compensation would be way better instead of the alternatives.
His personal obsession with getting paid more could disrupt the company’s progression in the future, because the company is looking forward to expanding and diversifying. In order to do that, they will need an experienced and strong team like Robert’s team. However, the company is also facing another problem which is due to Robert’s ego.
Describe one of the character’s behaviour based on Hall’s context model
The character that I choose is Robert, and it could be concluded that that Robert is showing us a low-context culture. It is due to the fact that Robert is expressing his thoughts in a straightforward manner without valuing his relationship with Kay. Instead, he keeps on insisting of getting a monetary compensation without even considering Kay’s offers and the company’s future.
References
CluerHR. “How The Workplace Environment Affects Productivity.” Cluer HR, 16 Aug. 2018, http://www.cluerhr.co.uk/how-the-workplace-environment-affects-productivity/.
“High Context – Low Context.” Prof. Dr. Gisela Schmalz, 16 Mar. 2015, http://www.giselaschmalz.com/cultures-and-context-edward-t-hall/.
Michael Lazuardi 
Hi Micheal Lazuardi,
I like how your blog layout looks so minimalist and neat. I also agree with you that listening skills is an important aspect when it comes to interpersonal communication. If there is no communication, it would lead to communication barriers. I also think it is refreshing to read that both of us have the same thought of Robert displaying low-context culture. Robert does not value the relationship with his fellow colleague, Kay. He keeps on insisting of getting a monetary compensation without even considering Kay’s offers and the company’s future. Keep up the nice work!
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Hey Micheal!
I too agree strongly that Robert’s lack of listening skills are a great contributing factor to the poor working environment. It is my opinion that good listening skills are vital to good communication in regardless of any level of organisation you are involved in. Especially so in a negotiation where both parties are invested in and willing to work towards the negotiation itself ending in a scenario of mutual gain. A win-win scenario if you will. However, I too feel that Robert is just simply uninterested in any other scenario besides the one where he gains what he seeks.
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Hi Michael,
Thank you for your analysis on this case study! It is well detailed easy to understand. Firstly, I do agree that Robert is using the competing conflict handling as he is adamant of his demands even though Kay was trying to negotiate with him. Secondly, you mentioned about the lack of listening contributing to the poor working environment. This is a true factor. Robert had his mind set for getting a pay increment and is unwilling to listen to Kay. However, I do believe there may be other factors that also affects the working environment. Kay can be at fault for not delivering the full picture to Robert properly, or may not sound convincing as we do not know the full picture of the story some times. Lastly, I also agree that Robert is showing he has a low-context culture. The moment he threaten Kay to get the whole union involved, it shows he does not value their relationship and is thinking about himself. Overall, it is a great read, great job!
Cheers
Clarence Wang
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Hi Micheal, agree with your deduction about the situation. With Robert showing competing conflict handling style with his insisting opinion. Kay using a Integrative bargaining approach to try to get a win win for both parties. Lack of listening skills for Robert that contribute to the poor working environment by not looking at the bigger picture for the company, although we did not get enough information from Robert point of view, maybe he has been accommodating to the demands of the company for even longer, hence why he was so determined to get a salary increment first without considering other options as he may be forgotten again.
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Hi Michael, your points about this case study on pay negotiations is well thought out. I agree that Robert is not a good listener and that his demands for a pay raise could affect future job progression like getting a promotion or getting overseas assignments. My conclusion for Robert based on Hall’s model is like yours, a low context culture. In conclusion, I think that we should learn to listen and be more open to other solutions in order to reach a win-win for everyone. I really enjoyed reading your post thank you!
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Hi Michael! I like the fact that you are explaining this using a very simple words. It really makes a difference in understanding the problem. I agree that listening skill is a very important skills to be possessed. A lack of listening skills makes both parties ended up losing. Nevertheless, keep up the good work!
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HI Michael!
Like how your explanations are straight to the point and easy to understand . Really makes it easy to pin the problem and have a clear understanding of whats going on! I agree Robert’s lack of listening contributes to the poor working environment. I feel that communication is important regards in a organisation or on a personal level. In a argument or negotiation ,communication is important to for both party to reach a common ground , to obtain a win-win scenario.
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