Perspective Taking, Empathy, and Relational Conflict at Work: An Investigation among Participants in a Workplace Conflict Resolution Program

Individual and organizational factors promoting successful responses to workplace conflict.

“…Research recently replicated this experimental effect in the workplace. Among health care workers in departments seeking help for conflict, those with higher self-reported dispositional perspective-taking tendencies were experiencing less relational conflict in their work groups, and this association was statistically mediated by cognitive flexibility (LeBlanc, Gilin Oore, Calnan, & Solarz, 2012). Second, negotiators who are higher on the dispositional tendency to perspective-take, or who are instructed to adopt a perspective-taking mind-set, achieve better resolutions in negotiations (Bazerman & Neale, 1982; Galinsky, Maddux, Gilin Oore, & White, 2008).…”

“…When overly focused on maintaining a positive relationship and not “rocking the boat” by also pursuing one’s own needs and interests, conflict does not get sufficiently resolved at its root to set a basis for mutually satisfying interactions moving forward (Amanatullah et al, 2008; Behfar, Peterson, Mannix, & Trochim, 2008; O’Connor & Arnold, 2011). Greater conflict can result in the long run (e.g., for high empathic concern, see Gilin Oore et al, 2013; LeBlanc et al, 2012). Helgeson and Fritz (1999) have clarified that it is only unmitigated communion —concern for others that actively rejects self-interest—that is harmful to one’s relationships.…”

Rewards and challenges of exhibiting peace at the Canadian War Museum.

“…Prior to this exhibit, to remember the War of 1812 on its hundredth anniversary, the exhibition 1812 presented differing narratives of the Americans, the British, the Canadians, and the Native Americans (aboriginal peoples), side by side, implying that each of these narratives are equally valid and demonstrating that there is no one perspective on any war. This resonates with the importance of multiple perspective taking, active listening skills, and a willingness to learn from others for good communication and conflict resolution skills (e.g., Deutsch, 1993;Fisher & Ury, 1991;LeBlanc, Oore, Calnan, & Solarz, 2012;Lederach, 1995Lederach, , 2005Rothman, 1997;Schirch, 2007;Wilmot & Hocker, 2011).…”