CAIE A-Level Psychology 4.3.3 Conflict at work
Practise applying conflict-handling modes and bullying explanations to workplace scenarios while considering ethics and holism.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Psychology 9990
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- apply two Thomas-Kilmann modes to reduce a workplace conflict ethically
- explain a weakness of a conflict-handling mode in relation to work outcomes
- use causes of bullying to explain behaviour in a named workplace scenario
4.3.3—Conflict at work question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Question (a)
(a)
Outline what is meant by 'holism', including an example from Thomas-Kilmann's five conflict
handling modes.
[ 2 ]
Outline what is meant by 'holism', including an example from Thomas-Kilmann's five conflict-handling modes.
Award 2 marks for an outline of the term/concept in context. Award 1 mark for a basic outline of the term/concept.
Example:
Behaviour can be explained by looking at all the components that make it up OR take a big picture view of behaviour. (1)
Thomas-Kilmann's five conflict model can be considered to be holistic as it suggests that conflict is made up of many components - the individual employees involved, the situation where conflict has arisen and the best strategy to resolve this conflict (1). Thomas-Kilmann offers five strategies (e.g. competition and compromise) and suggest that each conflict will require a different approach. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
Context = Thomas-Kilmann's five conflict handling modes. No credit for stating the theory has five modes and is therefore a complex way of handling conflict as re-stating what is in the Q.
Competition, Collaboration, Compromise, Avoidance, Accomodation.
Question (b)
(b)
Explain one weakness of holism, using an example from Thomas-Kilmann's five conflict
handling modes.
[ 2 ]
Explain one weakness of holism, using an example from Thomas-Kilmann's five conflict-handling modes.
Award 2 marks for a detailed explanation of a weakness in context.
Award 1 mark for a basic explanation of a weakness.
Likely weaknesses:
- Difficult to identify a single cause of the conflict.
- Difficult to train managers/employees to resolve conflict as there are so many different ways of resolving it.
- Hard to know if the conflict has been resolved for everyone involved.
Example:
One weakness of holism is that it is difficult to establish a single cause of the behaviour/conflict. (1) Employees could appear to be using the avoiding conflict handling mode, but it will be difficult for the manager to determine if this is true for all involved or the is the only cause of the conflict.
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
1 mark for outline of weakness (either generic or specific to T-K and holism).
1 mark for example from T-K.
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