Conflict Management in ARO

Conflict is a daily occurrence in life--whether it be in the classroom, work, or through an organization. However, through successful conflict management, one can maintain healthy, and long-lasting relationships. Conflict isn't always a bad thing--it can shine light on what is essential to the group's success, challenge peoples' thought process, and promote growth. As a part of my daily life, I am a director in an organization called Aggies Reaching Out (ARO). ARO is an organization dedicated to promoting higher eduction to youth in the state of Texas that come from under-resourced backgrounds. The process of planning, organizing, and executing our trips is a stressful one to say the least. Naturally, there are several conflicting thoughts and ideas that may cause some conflict within the group. For instance, we are in the middle of spring recruitment and nobody can decide on how many members should be accepted. Some may argue that adding a surplus of new members can make the present members feel replaced or overwhelmed. Others may argue that the more the better because a surplus is always better in case members decide to drop. According to Rummel's 5 Stage Model, this is known as the latent stage of conflict-- where "people can recognize their differences, and still have no conflict even when their opposing interests are stimulated" (Rummel). Our Chief Student Leader took it upon herself to address this "almost conflict" in our staff meeting by addressing everyone's opinions individually. All staff members were asked to voice their opinion and later a vote was taken to decide on the final decision. When I asked Rachel the reasoning of her process, she simply said "I don't want to have a final decision on anything regarding our organization without everyone's input. This is for the success of the organization as a whole." Rachel demonstrated conflict management because she was able to recognize a possible conflict and address it accordingly and appropriately.

Rummel, R.J. "PROCESS OF CONFLICT AND THE CONFLICT HELIX." PROCESS OF CONFLICT AND THE CONFLICT HELIX. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.