9/19/2011

Conflict Management Scenarios

Directions: In groups of 3-5, prepare a short, unscripted role-play to present to the group that describes the situation below. Discussion Questions: Consider answers to the following discussion questions for your scenario: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What did the participants do well as they attempted to resolve the conflict? What methods did the participants use to resolve the conflict? Which of these methods were effective? Which were not? What additional steps could have been taken? What should happen next in this scenario?

Scenarios: 1. During an Area Plan Commission meeting, a local business owner presents a proposal to expand the business into a lot which is currently zoned residential. Significant opposition is voiced by the residents of the neighborhood. The business owner points out the major tax contribution made by this business to this small community. As a voting member of the commission you must help the group reach a decision. 2. A non-resident land owner has asked for a 10% increase in cash rent from the tenant for the next growing season. The tenant has farmed for this owner for several years and doesnt want to lose the ground, but also does not want to pay the large increase in rent. The owner and tenant have come to you to help resolve this issue. 3. It is county fair week. The 4-H Fashion Revue judging results have been announced earlier in the evening. A parent is heading toward you, the Extension Educator, and she doesnt look happy. As she approaches you, she proceeds to tell you how her daughter was cheated out of a chance to compete at the State Fair. Your job is to resolve this situation. 4. A local resident comes to the Extension Office early Monday morning to see you, the Ag Extension Educator. This residents garden appears to be dying rapidly because, as he puts it, the farmer in the field next to his home sprayed chemicals in the wind. The resident wants satisfaction and wants it now! 5. May 15th is the deadline to submit all 4-H Livestock Enrollment forms in your county 4-H program. As 4-H/Youth Extension Educator, you have taken steps to inform your members throughout the year of this important deadline. On May 16th a 4-H parent comes to your office with forms in hand ready to submit them. You explain the deadline to this parent who immediately becomes irate and demands you accept these forms!

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6. At an Extension Homemakers Council meeting, discussion is focused on a theme for next years fair exhibits. A number of ideas have been exchanged. One member in particular is vocal that hers is the best idea. When the vote is taken and hers is not selected, she becomes obviously agitated. As advisor to this group you need to help reconcile the differences among the members. 7. During a 4-H Club meeting two young ladies, who have always been good friends in the past, become caught up in a discussion on who would be this years 4-H Fair Queen. Instead of supporting each other, each starts to tell others how much they have given to the program and why they should be Queen. The conversation has gotten out of hand. As advisor you need to help the officers regain control. 8. A 4-H family has been away and did not get the message (left on their answering machine) that the 4-H Club Family Fun Night was changed to Tuesday night. The family shows up on Wednesday night (the original date printed in the club calendar) at the advisors home ready for the program. The family is very unhappy and calls you, the Extension Educator, the next day to share their concerns. 9. A number of years ago, your organization developed a partnership with another community organization to offer an after school program. In the past you have relied on each other for program support, planning, funding, etc. Lately, however, the other organization has had to cut back on services due to reduced funding and staffing which has created some problems with the level of service for the after school program. As a representative of your organization you need to address this issue with the other organization. 10. The President of the board to which you are an advisor works hard at each meeting to make everyone feel welcome. But, when it comes to encouraging committees to work and the members to complete their assignments, nothing positive seems to happen. As advisor you have been asked by some of the board members to resolve this situation.