Conflict Resolution

Running head: CONFLICT RESOLUTION
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Introduction
The study is in regards to understanding how workplace ethical issues can be handled
effectively and conflict resolution can be provided. The case being considered for the study is in
regards to a workplace situation involving two subordinates of Anita who are Giovanna and
Carole. The recommended conflict resolution process have been given.
Summary of alleged culpable behavior
In the given scenario Anita is the supervisor of both Giovanna and Carole. The two
involved people work as Packers in the manufacturing plant. The primary allegation is that
Giovanna has been harassing Carole. The main issues are related to Giovanna speaking low of
Carole in the workplace environment. Additionally, Giovanna has been allegedly involved in
issues such as name calling Carole and showing her down. It is initially understood that Carole is
quite frustrated and disheartened by the alleged mistreatment by Giovanna and demands
immediate actions. She also says that she might not be able to continue with her productivity if
the issue is not resolved soon and wants actions to be taken against Giovanna. A primary
investigation is carried out by Anita with a union steward to look into this matter further and
questioned Giovanna pulling her out of the assembly line. However, Giovanna is visibly very
upset at finding about the incident and even feels sorry if she had hurt any of her co-workers. It is
known that Giovanna has been working in the organization for almost 20 years with no previous
allegations of the same kind. Anita later created a committee for further investigation with 2 new
members and two other team members that were divided in their opinion. In the end Anita
determined that Giovanna should not have been engaged in the incidents and puts the case

2CONFLICT RESOLUTION
forward to her employer and employee relations specialist to take decision in regards to the
termination of Giovanna’s employment.
Summary of investigation and assessment of investigation
The investigation of the incident was primarily done with the help of a steward from the
union. In the secondary phase the investigation was done with the help of two employees that
were new and two others that had widely different notions about the incident. The investigation
process had certain weaknesses that resulted in a very hastily taken decision by the investigation
team.
a) Procedural fairness
Procedural fairness as a certain criteria concerns the implementation of balance of
probabilities when looking at an issue. The complainant in this case is Carol and the respondent
is Giovanni. The allegation is of workplace harassment in this situation which means that an
investigation is very much liable to be held. However, the evidences that were present against
her were never presented in front of her. This causes the investigation to not be in accordance
with the standards of good workplace investigations. The consideration of all the evidences were
also not sufficient and there were genuine gaps that could have been identified with regards to
the investigation process. Although the timeliness and confidentiality of the investigation process
were good there are serious issues in relation to fairness and thoroughness (Carr et al., 2017).
b) Recommended improvements
It is greatly recommended that the process of investigation takes places at a slower pace
and the evidences against Giovanni are shown before any steps are taken against her. It can be