Study the following conversation and answer the questions below. In your respons
ID: 398451 • Letter: S
Question
Study the following conversation and answer the questions below. In your response, make it clear which questions you are responding to through numbering or re-writing the question and answering it below.
“HOW DO WE HIRE?”
Participants: John, Jim (the Director), Laura, Karl, Keith and Celeste
Setting: Mental health center
Situation: An opening for a full-time therapist has been created by one of the staff therapists quitting
Jim: We need to fill this position since Lee is leaving. I suggest we hire Nikki full time. She’s done a great job as an intern, and the kids seem to really like her. What do you think?
Keith: I agree. We should hire her.
Jim: Anyone else?
(Long silence)
John: Yeah, that’s okay with me.
Jim: Is there any discussion on this matter?
Laura: Yes. I don’t think we should hire Nikki without doing a search. She does a good job, but we might be able to get someone even better.
Karl: I sort of feel that way, too.
Keith: I don’t think we could find anyone better. Besides, it could take months to do it and we need the help right away, especially on the weekends.
Karl: Yeah, but that doesn’t mean we should hire just anyone.
Jim: Nikki’s not just anyone. Plus, we could lose the funding if we don’t hire right away. I’ve talked to Nikki about it—I’m sure she’d take the position.
Keith: And if we don’t offer it to her, I think she’ll quit completely.
Laura: Sounds like you guys have already figured it out. Why are you even asking us if you’ve made up your mind already?
Jim: There’s no “we” here, and I didn’t already make up my mind.
Celeste: I don’t think we should act so quickly. I’m not sure Nikki is all that committed to her work. You say the kids like her, but personally, I think she just likes having them do what she wants. She seems like a control freak to me. She likes having the kids like her.
Jim: What is it with you, Celeste? You always disagree with what this group wants to do. Everyone wants this but you. I’m tired of your constant opposition. You should listen to what we’re saying.
Celeste: What is it with me? Why do you act like we’re making a group decision, when you already made a decision and obviously got Keith and John to agree before talking to the rest of us?
Jim: If you can’t be a team player, then maybe it’s you who needs to start looking for a new job.
Questions
What are the Topics (T) of this conflict?
What are the Relational (R) issues of this conflict?
What Identity (I) issues can you identify?
What are some possible Process (P) issues involved in this conflict?
How do you predict this conversation will end?
What do you think the goals are for each of the parties? How do you think those goals might change?
What suggestions do you have for the parties in this conflict?
Explanation / Answer
The main topic of this conflict is about hiring Nikki as a full-time therapist. Jim is the director suggesting Nikki for the post as she had worked impressively as an intern in the mental health care unit and children are fond of her. John and Keith agree with the suggestion of Jim while Karl, Laura and Celeste do not agree with the suggestion made by Jim. Conflict arises due to the distrust of Karl, Laura and Celeste towards Jim. From the above conversations, it is clear that initially, Jim suggests but later shows his authority to Celeste to agree with his decision. This is a case of clear non-cooperation between the members.
The relationship conflict arises between Jim and Laura with Laura assuming the decision to hire Nikki was already taken and Jim was just informing. The relationship conflict worsens further when Celeste talks negatively about Nikki and show her open dissent on Jim. There is a clear interpersonal compatibility between Jim and Laura and between Jim and Celeste. Laura and Celeste completely disagree with the opinion of Jim. These are the two major relational issues of this conflict.
Celeste has a problem with her identity and shows her anger and dissent over Jim. Earlier, Celeste was with Jim but now she is against Jim with an identity loss. Also, Celeste is anxious and in depression which is evident from her negative remarks on Nikki. This indicates that Celeste is struggling to have an identity in the conversation and in the organization as a whole. This is the main identity conflict identified in the case.
Process issues in the conflict are evident from Jim stating Celeste to be voting against the group of Karl and Laura. This gives a hint that there are two groups in the organization, one comprising Jim, Keith and John and another group comprising Karl and Laura. Celeste was earlier with Jim supporting his decisions but now has joined the other group and shows her open dissent with anger to Jim.
I think there are two possible outcomes to this conversation. First, I predict that this conversation is going to end with an outburst of Celeste on Jim. This might even end up in losing her job. Second, If Laura and Karl come to the aid of Celeste and console her then there is a chance of conversation continuing further and looking at options other then Nikki for the post.
The goal of Jim, John and Keith is to hire Nikki. The goal of Karl, Laura and Celeste are not to hire Nikki full time and search for other options. Celeste needs to be recognized by Laura and Karl if the decision has to change to hire a new person for the job. If Celeste is left alone, then there will be no change in the decision of Jim to hire Nikki.
My suggestion to the parties in conflict is to negotiate and arrive at a solution in hiring the right person for the job. Their group conflicts and personal misunderstandings must be kept apart and the welfare of the mental health unit must be focused. They must come to a consensus with Jim accepting others opinion to find a suitable candidate and arrange for an interview. Nikki must continue to work part-time. If they cannot find the right hire within the specified time, then Nikki has to be hired as the full-time therapist.