Assessment 3 Instructions: Conflict and Power
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• Write a 3-5 page paper titled “Conflict and Power” that explains how individual perceptions of power can create conflict situations between law enforcement and members of a community. Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions affect the ability to resolve conflict. Then, identify a conflict resolution strategy and predict the outcome.
Introduction
Power plays a role in most conflicts. According to Coleman, Deutsch, and Marcus (2014), power can be understood by looking at its relationship to a situation and how that power is used. It is important to consider the role that each person in a conflict situation plays and that person’s place in the power hierarchy. Also, consider culture, as it can influence the way people react to power inequalities. Understanding these differences is key when trying to understand the dynamics of conflict and formulate strategies for conflict resolution. Most fights are about who has the most power. Coleman, Deutsch, and Marcus (2014) say that you can figure out what power is by looking at how it is used and how it fits into a situation. In a conflict, it’s important to think about what role each person plays and where they stand in the power hierarchy. Also, think about culture because it can change how people react to differences in power. Understanding these differences is important if you want to understand how conflicts happen and come up with ways to solve them.
Reference
Coleman, P., Deutsch, M., & Marcus, C. (Eds.). (2014). The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice (3rd ed.). Wiley.
Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
• Competency 1: Identify variables within an organizational structure that can promote conflict.
o Describe the factors that contribute to conflict between law enforcement and members of a community.
• Competency 2: Apply theoretical perspectives on conflict.
o Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions of power interfere with the ability to resolve conflict.
• Competency 3: Apply appropriate strategies to reduce or resolve conflicts.
o Identify conflict resolution strategies for law enforcement community conflicts.
• Competency 4: Analyze the impact of conflict on relationship building in face-to-face, virtual, cyber, and group communication.
o Explain how perceptions of power contribute to conflict situations.
• Competency 5: Evaluate the outcome of proposed strategies of conflict resolution.
o Determine the outcome of a conflict resolution strategy.
• Competency 6: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
o Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate APA format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Preparation
Search the Capella library and the Internet to locate resources that address the dynamics of power and conflict (in particular, with relation to law enforcement), the relational theory of power, perceptions of power, and how things such as gender, culture, and ethnicity can affect that perception.
Instructions
Complete the following:
• Describe the factors or conditions that contribute to conflict situations between law enforcement and citizens.
• Explain how perceptions of power may contribute to conflict situations between law enforcement and members of a community. Be sure you consider the perceptions of both the police and individual citizens.
• Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions of power affect the ability to resolve police–community conflict.
• Identify strategies you believe might be effective in reducing or resolving conflicts between police and communities.
• Choose one strategy and determine the likely outcome.
Although an actual blog would not have any specific formatting, format this assessment following APA guidelines. This format will facilitate faculty Assessment and feedback.
Additional Requirements
• Submit 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages, not including title and reference pages.
• Use 12-point, Times New Roman font.
• Include a title page and reference page.
• Cite at least three current scholarly or professional resources.
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