1. Prevention: Plan and build contingencies with the group from the outset
The best way to manage conflict within the group is preventing it before it occurs. Many groups brush off potential group conflict issues and jump to working on the group tasks assigned to them by academics immediately. This is particularly true when the time allocated for assessed pieces of group work is short, as is the case with workshop presentations. Sometimes, discussions between group members are limited to assigning specific tasks or areas to each person, but potential contingency and group conflict mitigation measures are not discussed.
At the beginning of every piece of assessed group work, we encourage all our students to discuss what expectations they have of each other, how they plan to work as a group and any mitigation measures they may wish to implement in case of conflict. Time spent having these discussions will most likely minimise the potential for future problems and will lead to more effective outcomes.
2. Discussion: Discuss the ongoing issues or conflict within your group
Should conflict arise while working in a group, it is always best to try to resolve any issues by being honest with all members of your group. Do not ignore any source of frustration or conflict due to time pressures or because you do not want to make anyone uncomfortable. Our MSc Financial Management programme offers a controlled learning environment, and discussion amongst members may not only help solve problems and reduce potential conflict, but may also provide very useful insights and feedback to members who may otherwise be unaware of the frustrations that their actions or inactions are generating. Proper discussions on expectations, planning and conflict management measures from the outset (see Step 1 above) should make conversations within the group easier when conflict arises.
3. Involvement: Speak to the relevant academic
If discussing an issue amongst the team or with individual group members does not work to resolve the conflict, then you should raise the issue with the relevant academic (workshop tutor, supervisor, etc.) as quickly as possible. Academic involvement can clarify expectations, offer mitigation and provide an objective opinion.
The relevant academic can then take action, where appropriate, or offer advice to the group on how to resolve conflict, work effectively or how to proceed where conflict resolution is not possible. The issue may be raised to the Course Unit Director, or with the Programme Director, if judged necessary—both of them having the authority to make any final decisions.
Further information is available from financialmanagement@manchester.ac.uk.
