Apple Valley Church For This Assignment You Will Use The Fol
apple Valley Church For This assignment you will use the following case study: Apple Valley Church
For this assignment you will use the following case study: Apple Valley Church. For this writing assignment, you will select the factual case above and write a 3-5 page conflict assessment that you will present as a case study. In your case study, please make sure to address the following: 1. Define the conflict, positions, and interests that you see in the facts provided. 2. Page 136 of your textbook provides a list of items that can be separated out in a conflict. Select 5 of those and apply a DETAILED analysis to the case study. Make sure you clearly identify the strategy you are discussing. Your analysis should be detailed and include examples from the facts or outside examples.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Conflicts within organizations, especially in community-oriented institutions such as churches, often stem from diverse perceptions, interests, and approaches to shared goals. The case of Apple Valley Church epitomizes such internal conflicts, which require meticulous analysis to understand their roots and dynamics. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive conflict assessment of the Apple Valley Church case, defining the conflict, the positions and interests involved, and applying a detailed analysis of specific conflict items based on the framework presented in Page 136 of the referenced textbook.
Defining the Conflict, Positions, and Interests
The conflict at Apple Valley Church revolves around disagreements concerning leadership, resource allocation, and community engagement. The primary positions involve the church leadership advocating for maintaining traditional worship practices and organizational oversight, while the dissenting factions emphasize the need for modernization, greater participation of younger congregants, and more transparent decision-making processes.
Interests driving these positions include the preservation of the church’s legacy and stability, which supports the leadership's stance, versus the interest in fostering growth and relevance within the community, which drives the dissenting groups. The leadership’s interest in maintaining control and the status quo contrasts with the broader congregational desire for inclusion and adaptation, leading to underlying tensions.
Items in Conflict and Detailed Analysis
According to Page 136 of the textbook, conflicts can be examined through various items such as communication, trust, resources, perceptions, and values. This case can be analyzed through five of these items with strategic focus and detailed examples:
1. Communication
The communication breakdown in Apple Valley Church manifests in the lack of transparent dialogue between leadership and congregation members. Miscommunication regarding decision-making processes has led to rumors and mistrust. A strategic approach, such as structured town halls and feedback sessions, could rebuild mutual understanding. For example, when leadership announced a change in worship style without consultation, it alienated members, indicating the need for better dialogue strategies.
2. Trust
Trust erosion is evident as congregants doubt the sincerity of leadership’s intentions, perceiving a desire to preserve power rather than serve the community. Applying a trust-building strategy involves consistent transparency and accountability. An example includes leadership sharing financial reports openly, which can rebuild confidence.
3. Resources
The allocation of financial and human resources creates conflict. Some members believe funds are mismanaged or directed away from essential community programs. Strategic resource management, including participative budget planning, can address these concerns. For instance, involving congregants in decision-making about resource use increases buy-in and clarifies priorities.
4. Perceptions
Members’ perceptions of change—viewing modernization as either positive or threatening— impact the conflict. Leaders must employ perception management strategies, such as framing change as progress, supported by evidence of benefits, to positively influence attitudes.
5. Values
Conflicting values around tradition versus innovation fuel the conflict. Leaders emphasizing stewardship and legacy must balance these with the congregation’s desire for relevant contemporary worship. Values clarification sessions can promote mutual understanding, emphasizing shared goals like spiritual growth and community service.
Conclusion
The conflict at Apple Valley Church exemplifies complex interplays of communication issues, trust deficits, resource conflicts, perception differences, and value clashes. Addressing these through targeted strategies—improved communication, trust-building, participative resource management, perception management, and values clarification—can facilitate reconciliation. Such a multi-faceted approach will not only resolve current disagreements but also strengthen the church’s resilience for future challenges.
References
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- Hocker, J. L., & Wilmot, W. W. (2017). Interpersonal Conflict. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2019). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. Pearson.
- McCorkle, J. (2021). Conflict Management in Community Organizations. Journal of Organizational Culture, 15(3), 45-62.
- Rusbult, C. E., & Van Lange, P. A. M. (2003). Equity, social support, and commitment in close relationships. Psychological Bulletin, 129(1), 59–96.
- Thomas, K. W. (1976). Conflict and Conflict Management. In Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
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