The Cost of Conflict - Essay Example

Cost of Conflict Cost of Conflict Cost of conflict can be described as a tool that is designed for the calculation of conflict to the human race in offices, organizations, societies and individuals. The idea of the cost of conflict is not only seen in terms of casualties but also developmental, social, strategic and developmental costs of conflict. In many instances, organizations do analyze broad economic and developmental costs of conflict. Using the tool is of fundamental benefit since it encourages the members of the society to have wider and newer views of conflicts and also broaden the public discussion in the similar subject while bringing new insights to this issue on the global scrutiny.

A recent articleThere was a recent business article which featured two former Boeing employees. During the time, Michael Sears was the CFO and Darleen Druyun was the corporate vice president. Darleen decided to retire earlier from the Air force as a Number 2 acquisition executive. The beginning of the events that transpired was sparked by Darleen requesting Sears for jobs for two of family members. Darleen allocated a contract to Boeing out of the appreciation for the company for offering her and her two family members.

This was seen as not only unprofessional and breach of codes of conduct but also a violation of established legislation.Costs of this conflictFrom the viewpoints of the participants the cost of this conflict could be seen both in terms of economy and development of the organization. It should be noted that the contracts were awarded not on the basis of merit but as a result of paying back for a favor done. This could have detrimental economic impacts to the company. This conflict had the potential of bringing down the company since the employees were not picked on the basis of their qualifications for the jobs they were expected to perform.

The implication of this is that the employees could not be trusted to discharge their duties with the professionalism and dedication deserved.Resolution of the conflictThis conflict was resolved in court. Since it was a matter of breach not only to the professional codes of conduct but a matter of contravention to the contract law, the matter was brought before the court. Since both the participants were guilty, Darleen was sentenced to nine month’s imprisonment because of awarding the contract not out of qualification but gratitude because she and her two family members were given jobs by the company.

Similarly, Sears was sentenced to four months in prison the reason being that he handled the employment in an improper way. He improperly and unprofessionally recruited Darleen. This was a breach of laws of contract.Alternative way of Resolving the conflictIn my opinion, there was an alternative way of resolving this conflict. While I do not dispute the use of court to resolve the issue, I may not approve the imprisonment of the two individuals. By simply revoking the recruitments rendering them null and void in the court, I believe the two people would have had something to learn.

Resolving the issue in court therefore to me was welcome but the jail terms were not justifiable. Declaring the employments illegal and dismissing them was itself a punishment. However, the sentences were a lesson to many and even though they may have been unfair, the employers have had an opportunity to learn from it. The top management of companies and employers ought therefore to avoid conflicts of interests and conflicts that may turn out to be very expensive for their companies.