A department chair in a major university has indicated she will oppose the proposal from other department at the same university to create a program that, in her opinion, takes the responsibility in teaching and research away from her department. She also indicates that the proposed program should be in any event within her department. The other department chair, the one making the proposal, has made it clear that it is within the boundaries of his function and his school competencies that he can propose such a program. During several meetings between the department chairs and deans, and even the university Provost, conflict has emerged and there seems to be very little patient and room for negotiation. Please describe this conflict and its sources.

What will be an ideal response?

In their responses, students need to, first, define this conflict as workplace conflict. Second, in terms of source of conflict, students need to point out not to the relationship between the two department chairs but to the systemic source of conflict. The university design allows for both departments to make such proposals. Students should also point that the goals of one department in terms of teaching and research are in opposition to the goals of the other department. Finally, they could add that a solution to the dispute may not be feasible if the university removes either department chair.