Conflict Management Styles

Correct Answer: Collaboration

The conflict management style described in the scenario is 'Collaboration'. In this style, the project manager involves the entire team in the conflict resolution process, which in this case is done by letting each developer present their case and allowing a democratic decision by voting. This not only resolves the conflict, but also ensures every team member has a say, resulting in the team owning the decision, which will improve cooperation and productivity. The others are wrong because: 'Smoothing' involves downplaying the differences and highlighting the similarities to avoid conflicts - not what happening here; 'Forced' implies imposing a decision, generally by a higher authority, which isn't happening because a democratic decision is promoted; and 'Withdrawal' means someone is avoiding the conflict, which is not the case as the conflict is being addressed head-on with the whole team.

Correct Answer: Forcing

In this context, the best course of action is to adopt the 'Forcing' conflict management style. You effectively take charge and dictate the resolution. This is appropriate when decisive action is necessary, as in urgent situations. The other alternatives are not the best in this given scenario. 'Problem Solving' involves collaboration and negotiation which might take more time and is unneeded when you have the authority and a clear solution yourself. 'Avoiding' implies ignoring the problem, which doesn't solve anything and can lead to the escalation of the issue at hand. Lastly, 'Smoothing' refers to playing down the differences and emphasizing common interests between the diverging parties. This latter mode might not work in this case as it doesn't necessarily lead to a practical and immediate solution.

Correct Answer: Collaborating

As a project manager, when you choose to create a win-win situation by accelerating some tasks without compromising on the quality, it reflects the Collaborating conflict management style. With this approach, you're addressing the client's concerns about the project pace and also ensuring that the quality isn't compromised, thereby satisfying both parties. This is why 'Collaborating' is the correct answer. Now, let us look at the incorrect options: - 'Avoiding': This approach involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict altogether, which does not apply to this situation because you're addressing the client's concerns directly. - 'Accommodating': This style involves giving into the other party's needs without considering one's own, hence might not consider the project's quality, making it not fit this situation. - 'Forcing': It's about pushing one's viewpoint at the expense of others, it does not reflect a win-win situation thus doesn't apply here.