Case study (Conflict) – The Vigilance Project

UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE

BUS 5113 Organizational Theory and Behavior
Term 4, 2019-2020

Assignment 5

Analyze the Vigilance Project case study and identify the team conflicts that exists and explain critically how to

address team dynamics and making recommendations to improve them.

Introduction

Conflict is a normal part of healthy relationships. People can’t be expected to agree on everything at all times.

Learning how to deal with conflict – rather than avoiding it – is crucial. When conflict is mismanaged, it harms

the relationship. When handled in a respectful, positive way, conflict provides an opportunity for growth,

ultimately strengthening the bond between people.

Solution

1. Why is this case about team conflict? What conflicts do you see developing?

This case is about individual and team conflict between the United States team and the French team.

There were conflicts between Mr. Lanigan the communication leader and Mr. Armani the project

manager and between the French and United States team primarily due to lack of communication by

the French team. In fact, the French team seem to disregard anything and show little support towards

way of working exemplified by the United States based team. Hence, this made the United States

team becoming demotivated and having less interested in the project.

Case study (Conflict) – The Vigilance Project

The conflicts that can be found in this case are:

a. Inter-group conflict:

When the battle is inter-group, the two groups concerned are in a deadlock, endangering the profitable

completion of a challenge due to variations in the group dynamics. Organizational fighting is the discord

that arises when the goals, pastimes or values of specific people or agencies are incompatible and these

humans or groups block or thwart one another’s tries to acquire their objective.

b. Intra-individual/Intra-personal Conflict:

Conflict can be intra-personal, which means that an individual’s goal and vision vary from his/her

company’s standard vision. This refers to conflict inside an individual. Intra-individual combat arises

from frustration, several roles which demand equal attention but is revolt constantly feasible to devote,

and dreams having both bad and wonderful aspects.

The 3 types of Intra-individual/Intra-personal conflict arising from the case study are;

1. Goal conflict,

2. Conflict from frustration, and

3. Role conflict.

2. How is distance affecting team dynamics and performance?

Team members must communicate continuously – to one another, with the leader, and with others who

have a stake in the team's performance. The better the communications, the more likely the team can

prevent problems or speedily resolve those problems that were not prevented. Having no face to face

meeting, having the expert in communication being kept down by the project manager and basically not

been informed as to what is going on in terms of timely information are some of the factors affecting the

team dynamics working from miles apart.

Case study (Conflict) – The Vigilance Project

Culture also would be a factor that affects the team performance as the French team would focus only on

their own.

3. What do you think about the decision to appoint sub-team sponsors? What problem can it

solve? Which problems might it not solve?

While it was a great idea, it was not the best move as it could demoralize the efforts of

the sub team and give the impression that both groups cannot handle the project. Appointing

sponsors can solve the problem of decision making and supervising. It may not solve the

problem of proper communication and the autocratic nature of Project manager Didier

Armani.

4. In addition to technical skills, what does this case say about the kinds of skills that must

be considered when staffing important projects?

The most important skills of a project manager include leadership, communication, negotiating, team

management, and critical thinking. Furthermore, Mr. Armani is setting an example must also be able to

keep up with the project management trends and use the tools he has to their fullest.

What conflict negotiation skills are most appropriate for this case?

• Collaboration: The Project manager should try to meet the needs of all people involved and

acknowledge that everyone is important. This is useful when a you need to bring together a variety of

viewpoints to get the best solution; when there have been previous conflicts in the group; or when the

situation is too important for a simple trade-off.

• Accommodation: The Project Manager must express a willingness to meet the needs of others at the

expense of his own needs and must not be assertive but highly cooperative. Accommodation is

appropriate when the issues matter more to the other party, when peace is more valuable than winning, or

when you want to be in a position to collect on this "favor" you gave. However, people may not return

favors, and overall, this approach is unlikely to give the best outcomes.
Case study (Conflict) – The Vigilance Project

CONCLUSION

It is obvious that from this case study, communication and understanding one’s role are important tools to

not necessary avoid but to limit conflict in such a dynamic organization.

References:

1. Dominick, P. G. (n.d.). The vigilance project – case overview. Society for Human Resource

Management. Retrieved from

https://web.stevens.edu/ses/documents/fileadmin/documents/pdf/The_Vigilance_Project_Stu

dent_Workbook_Final.pdf

2. 4 Types of Organizational Conflict. Retrieved from https://iedunote.com/organizationalconflict-types

3. Retrieved Lægaard Jørgen (2006). Organizational theories, 1st ed, Mille Bindslev & Ventus Publishing

ApS & bookboon.com