| Summary: | Conflict is a normal occurrence in any work setting. In fact, moderate, temporary conflict is often motivational and productive. If conflict is not resolved, however, it can become deleterious, causing destructive social, personal, and professional behaviors. Over time, the individual(s) involved in conflict may withdraw, becoming unproductive, unmotivated, and negative, or feel ostracized by co-workers. A review of the literature suggests that a plethora of information exists on group dynamics, reasons underlying conflict, conflict-management styles, and strategies for resolving conflict in groups. The conflict that is addressed in the literature, however, is usually short-term, situational conflict. No literature can be found that specifically addresses strategies for repairing workplace relationships that have been damaged over time from unresolved conflict, in particular, repairing relationships in educational settings and restoring individuals to motivated, contributing, respected members of the workplace team. Building Bridges, Mending Fences: Strategies for Restoring Damaged Relationships With Faculty, Staff, or ACIs offers suggestions for promoting change amongst individuals who have been negatively affected by workplace conflict, thereby restoring them to motivated, contributing, productive members of the group.
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