Discussion Board Replies

Discussion Board Replies

Discussion 1

I totally agree with the observation that the world is full of diverse individuals with different values and cultures, morals and beliefs. While the observed divergences tend to play significant functions with regards to how human thinks, one should, nevertheless, note that the manner in which individuals act and carry themselves in the society is mainly determined by an number of environmental and societal aspects including one’s socioeconomic background and upbringing.  This tends to affect the manner in which individuals resolve conflicts too.

Moreover, I also agree on the observation on the need to listen more and talk less as a means of understanding each other and resolving potential conflicts. The need for honesty and openness in conflict resolution cannot be underestimated as these not only enable comprehension of the individuals involved in the conflict but also ascertains peace within the community. It also enables one to learn from others with different opinions (Singer, 2018). Over and above this, it promotes an environment of tolerance amongst individuals with contradictory views. In addition to this, honesty and openness during discussions that are meant to resolve given conflicts, along with task conflict are some of the most vitals of ensuring that fairness and equality is maintained during conflict resolution, in addition to encouraging the observation that our differences as humans is not weakness but strength that can be harnessed to realize greater achievement.            In conclusion, I would like to refer to Mathew 18:15-17, which says that “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother, but if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed”. This scripture stresses on the need to resolve conflicts peacefully and using able persons to assist in the process. It also stresses on the need to listen to each other so as to resolve conflicts. The use of Task conflict is a welcome ways of conflict resolution as it enables the understanding of diverse points of views thereby enabling faster resolution of conflicts (Singer, 2018). As such, it is advisable that Christians should be welcoming to others with divergent opinions to enable them learn from each other.

Discussion 2

I totally agree with the observation that negotiations are very important in human life and that negotiations occur every day and at all times. Thus, the importance of negotiation may not be underestimated given that it enables one to realize his goals and objectives. Nevertheless, individuals with divergent backgrounds tend to have different negotiation approaches. For instance, the Far East Asians are likely to take on the distributive approach to negotiations by focusing on getting more out of the situation, the North American are highly prone to take on an integrative approach that will ensure that both parties involved in the negotiation come out as winners (it ensures a win-win situation) (Goldberg et al., 2014). Still, it is important for the negotiating teams to enter into negotiation without having any predetermined goals and outcomes as this will ensure understanding and in-depth comprehension of what the negotiation entails (Goldberg et al., 2014).

Amongst the notable scriptures highlighting the importance of negotiation is Luke 14:31-3, which state that, “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? “Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. This verse tends to highlight the importance of negotiation in trying times and the need for one to consider his position before making any move. Negotiations assist in the saving of lives by preventing harmful conflicts.

Discussion 3

I agree with the observation that individuals employed in organizations obtain power for various reasons and also use it distinctively to further their urgent. However, while others might utilize power to not only empower the employees but also lead them and champion the course of their well-being, others tend to misuse such power. In most cases, individual who misuse power tend to acquire it f or control purposes and this often lead to the negative effects of power (Skogstad et al., 2015). On the other hand, individuals who make apt use of power tend to acquire it and use it for leadership purposes. Depending on the reasons for acquisition of power, the outcomes always have immense impact on the workers (Skogstad et al, 2015). One should acquire power to lead effectively and ensure that workers or followers are adequately catered for and taken care of.

One of the Bible verses that have tackled the issue of poor management is Proverbs 14:31, which maintains that “He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him”. In this verse, the Bible encourages individual in authority to treat their workers properly and in a good manner as they are bound to receive honor. It also warns bad leaders of the negative consequence of misusing their powers.