Case Study: Behind Closed Doors

Case Study: Behind Closed Doors

For this assignment, you will use the following case study: Apple Valley Church. You are to write a 3-5 page conflict assessment that presents as a comprehensive case study. Your analysis should include a clear definition of the conflict, identifying the involved parties' positions and interests based on the provided facts. Additionally, select five items from page 136 of your textbook that can be separated out in a conflict, and apply a detailed analysis to each, explicitly identifying the conflict strategies used. Your discussion should be thorough, with examples drawn from the case study or outside sources to illustrate the application of each strategy.

Furthermore, the assignment incorporates a personal reflection component related to your communication challenges. You should delineate your core priorities: maintaining your plans without being deterred, asserting your plans to friends before they share theirs, attending only scheduled functions, and ensuring free time is preserved. Observe the communication behaviors of others who face similar challenges and those who perform better in similar situations—this observation serves to identify positive communication models. Choose individuals who exemplify effective interpersonal communication skills and record specific verbal and nonverbal behaviors (what they say, how they say it). Identify behaviors worth adopting into your own communication repertoire.

Equally, observe negative models: people who demonstrate ineffective communication practices. Analyze what makes their behaviors ineffective and what behaviors you should avoid. Use these observations to consider what your specific communication behavioral goals might be, based on the process described above. Your report should include:

1. The interpersonal communication goal derived from your initial assessment.
2. Four examples of effective modeling of this skill observed from others, labeled 3A1 through 3A4, with specific details.
3. Four examples of ineffective communication behaviors by others, labeled 3B1 through 3B4, with specific details.

Develop your case study and analysis with proper evidence, examples, and thoughtful reflection to create an insightful report on conflict and communication behaviors within the case context.

Paper For Above instruction

The case study "Behind Closed Doors" involving Apple Valley Church presents a complex conflict scenario that exemplifies various interpersonal communication issues and strategies. In this analysis, I will first define the conflict by identifying the multiple positions and underlying interests of the involved parties, then explore five conflict items as outlined in page 136 of the textbook, applying detailed strategies to each. Furthermore, personal reflection regarding my communication challenges will encompass observing positive and negative models to inform behavioral goals, ultimately aiming to enhance my interpersonal communication effectiveness.

Conflict Definition: Positions and Interests

The conflict within Apple Valley Church revolves around disagreements over leadership roles, scheduling of church activities, and community outreach priorities. The key participants include church leaders, congregation members, and staff members. Each group holds distinct positions: some prioritize traditional liturgy, others advocate for contemporary programs; some focus on community service initiatives, while others emphasize maintaining church traditions. The interests underlying these positions include spiritual growth, community engagement, organizational stability, and personal recognition.

These competing interests create tension, with stakeholders often communicating through indirect or defensive behaviors, impacting the overall harmony of the church community. Recognizing these interests helps clarify that the conflict is not merely about differing opinions but about incompatible priorities and value systems.

Analysis of Conflict Items from Textbook

1. Perceived threat to self-esteem – Some church members feel their contributions or spiritual authority are being undermined, leading to defensiveness and resistance. For instance, a pastor may perceive criticism of their leadership as a threat, prompting defensive reactions rather than open dialogue.
2. Disagreement over goals – The divergent goals concerning church direction cause friction; some members seek traditional worship, others favor modernization. This disagreement results in persistent conflicts over program planning and resource allocation.
3. Miscommunication or lack of communication – Lack of transparent communication regarding decision-making fosters suspicion. For example, when leadership makes unilateral decisions without consulting the congregation, misunderstandings and feelings of exclusion escalate.
4. Power struggles – Conflicts emerge when individuals or groups vie for influence over church affairs, often resulting in competition rather than cooperation. An example would be competing factions lobbying for control over church committees.
5. Differences in values and beliefs – Underlying doctrinal or moral differences cause tensions. Some members may oppose certain outreach programs on moral grounds, creating division.

Application of Conflict Strategies

Using these conflict items, I analyze five strategies from the textbook:

1. Avoidance

This strategy involves sidestepping contentious issues. For instance, church leaders may avoid addressing disagreements about modernization to prevent conflict escalation, which temporarily suppresses tensions but can lead to unresolved issues festering beneath the surface.

2. Competition

Some individuals or factions adopt a competitive approach to assert dominance, such as pushing their agenda forcefully during meetings. While this can lead to quick wins, it often damages relationships and hinders cooperation.

3. Collaboration

Effective conflict resolution involves collaborative strategies, where parties work together to find mutually beneficial solutions. For example, church leaders might engage in open dialogue to integrate modern and traditional worship styles, respecting different perspectives while aiming for unity.

4. Compromise

Some members settle disagreements through compromise, such as dividing resources or scheduling to satisfy both traditional and modern worshippers. While practical, this may sometimes water down core values.

5. Accommodation

In some cases, one party concedes to the other to maintain peace, which may foster short-term harmony but can lead to resentment if overused. For instance, a leader might defer to the majority but feel undervalued.

Personal Reflection on Communication Behaviors

Positive Models

In observing effective communication, I identified individuals who demonstrate active listening, assertiveness, and nonverbal openness. For example, a community leader consistently maintains eye contact, nods affirmatively, and paraphrases others’ points, fostering trust and clarity. Such behaviors signal respect and engagement, which I aim to incorporate into my interactions.

Another positive model is a colleague who calmly addresses conflicts without escalation by using "I" statements and maintaining an open posture, encouraging dialogue rather than defensiveness.

A third model is a church member who clearly articulates their needs and opinions without dominating or withdrawing, balancing assertiveness with respect for others' perspectives.

Furthermore, a youth pastor demonstrates empathetic responses through appropriate facial expressions and gestures, creating an approachable atmosphere conducive to open communication.

Negative Models

Conversely, ineffective models include individuals who interrupt others, display defensive body language such as crossed arms, and speak in a dismissive tone. For example, a staff member frequently dismisses others' ideas without consideration, leading to frustration and disengagement.

Another negative example involves leaders who resort to aggressive language or sarcasm in meetings, which escalates conflicts instead of resolving them.

Additionally, some members demonstrate passive behaviors—avoiding participation or withdrawing from discussions, resulting in missed opportunities for resolution.

Finally, individuals who gossip or spread rumors undermine trust, complicating conflict resolution efforts within the church community.

Communication Behavioral Goals

Based on these observations, my primary interpersonal communication goal is to develop assertiveness combined with active listening, ensuring my messages are clear, respectful, and receptive to others’ viewpoints. I aim to balance expressing my needs with understanding others, fostering collaborative problem-solving and reducing misunderstandings.

Emulating positive models and avoiding negative behaviors will be central strategies to achieve this goal. I plan to practice using "I" statements, maintain open body language, and ensure that I listen fully before responding. These efforts will enhance my conflict management skills, especially in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations like church conflicts.

References

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