In recognition of the critical role that effective conflict management plays in organizational success, the Western Institute of Technology (WIT) recently held a seminar-workshop titled “Work Ethics and Handling Employees,” aimed at enhancing the conflict management skills of its administrators.
The wotkshop took place at WIT’s extension campus, with Ms. Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog, a faculty member of UP High School in Iloilo, leading the session.
Mabilog, who is also part of the Division of Professional Education at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), provided an in-depth exploration of conflict management, drawing from the research of Kenneth W. Thomas and Warren H. Schmidt, which revealed that managers spend up to 20% of their time dealing with conflicts.
“Understanding the different levels of conflict, its sources, and effects is crucial for administrators in an educational institution. Poor communication is often at the heart of many employee conflicts,” Mabilog emphasized during her presentation.
The seminar-workshop aimed to provide WIT administrators with practical tools to manage conflicts more effectively.
Participants were introduced to the Thomas-Kilmann conflict management strategies, including avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise, and collaboration. Each strategy was thoroughly discussed, with Mabilog highlighting its advantages and disadvantages in various scenarios.
To personalize the learning experience, attendees were asked to complete a short questionnaire designed to identify their dominant conflict management styles. The results, which participants shared with the group, served as a basis for understanding how different approaches to conflict can impact the workplace.
Mabilog concluded the seminar with actionable steps for conflict management and general principles of conflict resolution, encouraging administrators to plan more effective dialogues with employees.
The seminar was well-attended, with key figures such as Engr. Leanne Claire Marie S. Fernandez, Chair of the Council on Administrative Affairs; Sonia S. De la Cerna, School Vice President; deans of colleges; and other unit administrators present.
The workshop underscored the importance of equipping educational leaders with the skills necessary to navigate conflicts constructively, ultimately fostering a more harmonious and productive work environment at WIT. (Mr. Angelo Vincent Del Rosario with sources from Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog)
