Case 10.1 Analysis
Case 10.1 presents two long-term colleagues, Sophia and Isaam, both vice presidents at the same organization—Sophia in the legal department and Isaam in finance. They are involved in an investigation/audit process for a potential acquisition. However, conflict arises when Sophia notes that they need legal expertise to understand some of the matters they discovered, and therefore, they disagree on whether or not to proceed with the acquisition. They are about to take the matter to their CEO, who is eager about the acquisition and generally dislikes receiving such bad news (Corvette, 2007): Case 10.1 Analysis.
Case Discussion
As the project manager, Sophia has position power and power of legitimacy. She also holds expertise power given her legal background, and because the conflict is grounded in a legal issue. Isaam also holds expertise power due to his background in finance, though this may be perceived because the conflict does not concern financial matters. In addition, he holds situation power (perceived) over Sophia because the CEO looks forward to the acquisition and does not like receiving news that prevent him from doing what he wants.
On the other hand, the CEO holds the most position power because he can reject or approve the acquisition. He also has reward power as he can influence Sophia’s and Isaam’s professional standing. Given the CEO’s authority over Sophia’s and Isaam’s job security, he may also possess coercive power.
The power balance in this case is unequal. The CEO holds the most power in decision-making, which may undermine the opportunity for negotiation, especially if Sophia and Isaam fear negative repercussions. Comparing Sophia and Isaam, Sophia holds more power because she is the project manager, and her expertise applies more in this context.
To lessen or resolve the conflict, Sophia can distribute and integrate her power to ensure she uses it constructively. Besides, this technique would ensure Isaam feels accommodated and motivated in finding solutions to the problem. At the same time, she can collaborate with Isaam using accommodative communication to develop options and make mutually beneficial decisions. Notably, collaboration brings in various viewpoints and leads to a win-win outcome (Huan & Yazdanifard, 2012; Sharma et al., 2014).
Conclusion
This case was relevant in deepening my understanding of conflict management and the effects of power in conflict. I have learned the different types of power and that personal power is the most significant in negotiation. I have also learned the need to distribute, integrate, or share power to achieve a power balance that interests the opposing party in resolving conflict.
References
Corvette, B. A. B. (2007). Conflict management: A practical guide to developing negotiation strategies. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Huan, L. J., & Yazdanifard, R. (2012). The difference of conflict management styles and conflict resolution in workplace. Business & Entrepreneurship Journal, 1(1), 141–155. https://www.scienpress.com/Upload/BEJ/Vol%201_1_9.pdf
Sharma, V., Goyal, V., & Panwar, S. (2014). Managing conflict at workplace. International Journal of Management, IT and Engineering, 4(6), 179–191. https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ijmie&volume=4&issue=6&article=015&type=pdf
Read the case and answer the question. The assignment is submitted to Turnitin. course textbook: Budjac Corvette, B. A. (2007). Conflict management: A practical guide to developing negotiation strategies. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Additional information: ISBN 9780131193239, Edition: 1st
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Question
Chapter Assignments:
You will be asked to complete assignments to demonstrate your understanding of the course content.
These do not need to be current, but they cannot be blogs or popular news sites. Each chapter assignment is worth 10 points, and grading rubrics can be found in the content area on D2L. The format for the chapter assignments are as follows:
- Provide a brief summary of the case or expectations of the assignment, if a readable case isavailable (Minimum 3 full sentences)
- Answer/expand each of the questions associated with the case (Should be more than one sentence. AVOID yes, no, or I agree as your only response)
- Provide a brief conclusion on how or why this could help you in understanding conflict management/
negotiations. - Provide two credible external sources in addition to the textbook
Chapter 10
6. Explain the differences between and among legitimate power, position power, and expertise power.
7. Explain the difference between referent power and identification power.
8. Identify at least six things that might serve as identification power between you and another negotiator.
9. Describe at least one way in which you may constructively use the power you have in your current daily organizational role.
10. Try to assess the ulterior motive underlying the flattery you most recently received. Did you lose the head game?

Case 10.1 Analysis
Case 10.1
Sophia and Isaam are colleagues and peers in the same organization. Sophia is vice president and general counsel; Isaam is vice president of finance. They have been friends for many years and, in fact, completed their MBAs together. They are currently participating in completing due diligence relative to a potential acquisition.
Sophia is the project team manager for the acquisition audit/investigation. Sophia and Isaam differ in their perceptions of certain key matters discovered and, therefore, disagree on whether or not to proceed with the acquisition. Sophia maintains that understanding and disposition of the matters require legal expertise.
They are about to discuss their findings and recommendations with the CEO who is very excited about going forward with this transaction and generally disdains being told of problems when it means he cannot do what he wants to do.
Case Discussion Questions
1. Which powers are held by Sophia, Isaam, and the CEO? Which, if any, of the powers you identified are merely perceived, or imaginary?
2. How would you describe the relative balance of these powers?
3. Do you have any suggestions for Sophia that may lessen or eliminate the conflict between her and Isaam?
