SOWK 554 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Workplace mediation is an emerging specialty within the field of mediation. The high costs of workplace conflict are driving companies and regulatory agencies such as the EEOC to use mediation and other conflict resolution practices in the workplace. Building on theory and skills introduced in SOWK 551 this on-line or face-to-face course begins with an overview of workplace conflict and the costs involved for companies, application of mediation practice to the workplace environment, strategies to handle difficult workplace behavior, and a summary of informal and formal arbitration practices.

The course covers the process of planning workplace mediation within profit, non-profit, and governmental workplace settings and specifically addresses unique workplace mediation issues including civil rights, sexual harassment, and disability disputes. Special issues such as power and emotions along with cross-cultural and multi-party cases are also covered and the course concludes with a presentation of emerging concepts of appreciative inquiry and its application to workplace disputes.

Learn more about how the course is delivered.