Conference techniques

Essay

Power

Power, because it is sometimes used for dishonorable purposes, can be misunderstood as negative. Power is neither negative nor positive, but the use of power can be negative or positive. Determining whether one has power means paying attention to the verbal and nonverbal indicators of power, and to who has resources that are important to achieving the group’s goals. In this assignment, you will explore these issues.

Your assignment is to write a 2 page paper answering the following questions:

• What are the primary types of power? Describe two examples of each.
• Describe five of the different power indicators. Give an example of each.
• Compare two types of power resources: information and expertise. Give an example of each..

Discussion

There are several conflict strategies that can lead to constructive or destructive conflict. Consider how the five communication styles of conflict management and how negotiation can manage conflict in groups.

Please respond to all of the following prompts:

• Describe a situation in which you were involved in destructive conflict. How could it have been managed differently?
• Describe a situation in which you were involved in constructive conflict. How was this situation different from the first?
• Should group members always use the collaborating style and avoid the competing (power-forcing) style? Why or why not?