Conflict management in a cross-cultural workplace

Note: This course replaces the course which was previously called 'Personal development 2 - Dealing with conflicts'.

This course is designed specifically for PhD candidates who are interested in mastering conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and negotiation skills. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical exercises, and real-world applications, you will be prepared to navigate the complexities of academic environments and position yourself for success in your PhD journey.

• Understanding Academic Conflicts: Identify common sources of conflict in academic settings
• Conflict Resolution Techniques: Develop strategies for resolving conflicts constructively, maintaining professional relationships, and fostering a positive academic environment.
• Cultural Awareness in Academia: Explore the cultural dynamics within international academic communities and the impact on communication and collaboration.
• Effective Communication Strategies: Learn techniques for clear and respectful communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Negotiation Tactics: Understand the unique aspects of negotiation within the academic context; Learn and practice various negotiation styles and techniques to achieve favorable outcomes.

Learning goals:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Effectively manage and resolve conflicts within academic environments.
• Position yourself within the research group
• Communicate and collaborate successfully with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Apply negotiation techniques to achieve positive outcomes in various scenarios.

Format:

• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on activities, discussions, and role-playing to reinforce key concepts.
• Reflective Exercises: Personal reflection and journaling to internalize learning and develop self-awareness.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the application of skills in academic settings.
• Shared experiences: Working together with other PhD candidates in this group will give you the opportunity to learn by sharing experiences, receiving feedback from each other and discussing options for dealing with your conflicts.

Course dates and times:

The course consists of three 2.5h sessions.

• November course: Nov 20, Nov 27, Dec 4 (14:00-16:30)
• April course: Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16 (9:30-12:00)