In
their paper, Friedman and Currall list several pieces
of advice for easing the impact of these effects
while managing conflicts. For example, if possible
try a face-to-face or telephone conversation to
discuss disputes. In the case where email must be
used, recognize that a perceived insult may have
been unintentional, and mentally adjust to the statement
accordingly by thinking through the meanings of
the context.
In
a world where communication has gone digital, one
must adopt and practice proper ettiquette in order
to avoid such misunderstandings and escalations.
Therefore, email participants should manage the
inherent risk in order to resolve conflicts more
productively.
References
Creed,
Adam. (June 2000). Using E-Mail
Can Stave Off Workplace Conflict. Newsbytes
News Network. http://www.newsbytes.com
Johnson,
Lauren K. (Fall 2002). Does
E-Mail Escalate Conflict? The idiosyncratic aspects
of electronic mail can obviate resolution.
MIT Sloan: Management Review 44(1): 14-15. http://mit-smr.com/past/2002/smr4411f.html
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last updated
11/27/2005
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project of Campus Conflict Resolution
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