Would you like to work on one of IBM’s multicultural, multinational project...

3. Would you like to work on one of IBM’s multicultural, multinational project teams? Why or why not?

Step-By-Step Solution
3. Answer: This answer will vary depending on the student’s beliefs and opinions. Ensure that the position the student takes is well supported with appropriate beliefs on the student’s part based on information in the chapter.

4. Multicultural project teams often face problems with communication, expectations, and values. How do you think some of these challenges can be overcome?

Step-By-Step Solution


4. Answer: This answer should include concepts and ideas posed in the section of the chapter on virtual teams. Among the ideas the student should include here is how managers can make virtual teams more effective. For virtual teams to be effective, management should ensure that:

Trust is established among members (one inflammatory remark in a team member e-mail can severely undermine team trust);

Team progress is monitored closely (so the team doesn’t lose sight of its goals and no team member “disappears”); and

The efforts and products of the team are publicized throughout the organization (so the team does not become invisible).

Step-By-Step Solution
Choosing Your Battles

1. Answer: The answers to this question will vary. Some students will indicate that conforming the process to the concepts of equity theory is the best way to lead the discussions to work. If all parties believe they are equally represented in the discussion, then it is more likely to remain positive. To access unspoken conflict, the manager should encourage all employees to bring up their concerns. Again, perceptions of fairness are essential to making this work.

Chapter 14, Problem Mediation 14 : 4. The EEOC reports that whereas 85 percent...
4. The EEOC reports that whereas 85 percent of employees agree to mediate their charges, employers agree to mediate only 30 percent of the time. Why do you think this disparity exists?

Step-By-Step Solution
4. Answer: Many students will perceive that employees have confident in the mediation process to give themselves leverage against the corporation. Time delay is result as well. Employers likely see mediation as unfairly slanted toward employees and, therefore, a process where the employer is mot often the major loser.

Chapter 14, Problem Mediation 13 : 3. Do you think a mediator should find...
3. Do you think a mediator should find out why the parties want what they want? Why or why not?

Step-By-Step Solution
3. Answer: The answer to this is simple. Yes, the mediator should find out from the sides what the dispute is about and what is sought for resolution. Without this information, any result is likely to be arbitrary and totally unsatisfying to the parties involved.

Chapter 14, Problem Mediation 13 : 3. Do you think a mediator should find...
3. Do you think a mediator should find out why the parties want what they want? Why or why not?

Step-By-Step Solution
3. Answer: The answer to this is simple. Yes, the mediator should find out from the sides what the dispute is about and what is sought for resolution. Without this information, any result is likely to be arbitrary and totally unsatisfying to the parties involved.

Chapter 14, Problem 1 : 1. What is conflict?...
1. What is conflict?

Step-By-Step Solution
1. Answer: Conflict is a process that begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively affected, or is about to negatively affect, something that the first party cares about.

Chapter 14, Problem Mediation 12 : 2. One successful mediator, Boston’s Paul Finn, argues...
2. One successful mediator, Boston’s Paul Finn, argues that if the disputing parties are seeking justice, “It’s best to go somewhere else.” Why do you think he says that?

Step-By-Step Solution
2. Answer: Again, student response depends on opinion. But, one idea that should come from the process is that some believe that mediation is a trade-off to justice. Instead of legal disputes being resolved in the judicial system that calls for decision to be made by peer groups, mediation results in resolutions fostered by a single professional. The goal of mediation is harmony, not justice.

Chapter 14, Problem Choosing_Your_Battles 10 : 2. How can negotiators utilize conflict management strategies...
2. How can negotiators utilize conflict management strategies to their advantage so that differences in interests lead not to dysfunctional conflicts but rather to positive integrative solutions?

Step-By-Step Solution
2. Answer: Exhibit 14-4 shows major resolution and stimulation techniques that allow managers to control conflict levels. The students’ answers to this question should include ideas contained in this exhibit.

Chapter 14, Problem Mediation 12 : 2. One successful mediator, Boston’s Paul Finn, argues...
2. One successful mediator, Boston’s Paul Finn, argues that if the disputing parties are seeking justice, “It’s best to go somewhere else.” Why do you think he says that?

Step-By-Step Solution
2. Answer: Again, student response depends on opinion. But, one idea that should come from the process is that some believe that mediation is a trade-off to justice. Instead of legal disputes being resolved in the judicial system that calls for decision to be made by peer groups, mediation results in resolutions fostered by a single professional. The goal of mediation is harmony, not justice.