The complexities experienced in the changing business processes have resulted in increased conflicts between various groups of people. This paper will attempt to analyze two case studies that investigated on the topic. The first case was conducted by the EU on how to handle and manage conflict that arose between the EU and local people due to the nature policy of preserving and protecting the Natura 2000 site (EU, 2010). The other case was conducted to determine the nature of conflict resolution in five distinct organizations (Saundry & Wibberly (2014). The main problem in the Natura 2000 was the processes through which sites management were conducted. Saundry and Wibberly (2014), case study on the other hand was driven by the problem of deteriorating effectiveness of conflict management and resolution in Britain.

Despite the main problem of focus, every case study contains critical issues that make-up the main problem. The following are the critical issues in the workplace dispute resolution case;

1. Lack of employees having a voice in conflict resolution
2. Managers facing many challenges in managing conflict

• The informal processes used in organizations to solve conflicts

1. The changing role of the HR function and the part played by other practitioners in dealing with office disputes
2. The effectiveness of conflict management approaches currently in use

Critical issues in the Natura 2000 conflicts were;

1. The different perceptions held by local people about the Natura 2000 site
2. The different expectations that land users have concerning the site

• The failed expectations of land managers receiving financial support and maintaining the status of the site.

1. Misinformation on the site

The proposed solutions for the Natura 2000 case majored at adopting a communication approach aimed at communicating the benefits of preserving the site, disseminating reliable information, resolving disputes through mediation and other innovative solutions, and  compensating land managers and being transparent with them (EU, 2010). The other study developed an Acas conflict management and resolution code of practice as a solution to organizational disputes. They include giving employees a voice in order to be heard, building trust, creation of mediation platforms, early resolution to disputes, and the HR playing the role of building relationships in the work force and facilitating conflict resolution (Saundry and Wibberly, 2014).

The solutions suggested by the EU are valid since conflicts arising between international organizations and local communities may hinder progress of important projects. Hence, it is important to be transparent and effectively explain the importance of the Natura 2000 site in order for local people to support the project. Saundry and Wibberly (2014) suggested solutions  are also viable though building trust between employees and the managers could prove to be a challenging task since in most instances, the management supports the senior people as compared to low level employees.

The suggested solutions in the Natura case were to be communicated through meetings and gatherings with stakeholders, leaflets and newsletters, and use of the media (EU, 2010). Communicating to people who have disputes with an organization is sensitive, hence some of the methods are not viable, such as leaflets and newsletter. The best and most effective way is through public and face to face meetings in order to facilitate interaction, information, and idea sharing. In the other case, the solutions were suggested but the strategy to communicate them were not included.

Case studies assist in analyzing a situation and critically thinking about a particular issue. In relation to the case studies analyzed in this paper, case studies enabled the EU to investigate the cause of the Natura 2000 conflict, and to determine methods of resolving the disputes. Moreover, the case study on work place dispute resolution enables organizations to determine the most effective conflict management and resolution methods.

References

Saundry, R., & Wibberley, G. (2014). Workplace dispute resolution and the management of individual conflict – A thematic analysis of five case studies. Acas. 

1. (2010). Dealing with conflicts in the implementation and management of the Natura 2000

            network best practice at the local/site level (lot 3).