Basic Introduction to Community Work - Central

• Quorum
• Voting procedures
• Minutes
9. Financial Authority
10. Alterations to the Constitution
11. Dissolution
12. Adoption
Dealing with Conflict
As we discussed earlier groups and its members can sometimes
come into conflict with one another, which creates tension and
prevents the group/organisation from functioning properly and
effectively.
It could then be left to the worker to help resolve the issue so that the
group/organisation can go back to achieving its objective.
As humans, most of us do not like conflict or dealing with it, but as
community workers we have to rise above the hurt and uncertainty
that people feel or perceive and do what is best for the group. This is
sometimes interpreted as taking sides or interfering.
When conflict arises those involved tend to become defensive,
sometimes aggressive, sometimes abusive, and concentrate more on
proving they are right rather than addressing the issue. Ego’s start to
take over and rational thinking goes out of the window.
There are a number of ways to deal with conflict with most people
adopting a style that best suits them and their personality.
These styles could include:
Humour – depending on the individuals involved a worker could
use a sense of humour to defuse the situation and give the
individuals time to reflect and resolve the situation/issue.
Mediation – the worker could act as a mediator between the
conflicting parties and arrange to meet with them individually
and collectively to discuss the issue.
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