Write a 3-5 page paper titled “Conflict and Power” that explains how individual perceptions of power can create conflict situations between law enforcement and members of a community. Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions affect the ability to resolve conflict. Then, identify a conflict resolution strategy and predict the outcome.

Introduction

Power plays a role in most conflicts. According to Coleman, Deutsch, and Marcus (2014), power can be understood by looking at its relationship to a situation and how that power is used. It is important to consider the role that each person in a conflict situation plays and that person’s place in the power hierarchy. Also, consider culture, as it can influence the way people react to power inequalities. Understanding these differences is key when trying to understand the dynamics of conflict and formulate strategies for conflict resolution.

Reference

Coleman, P., Deutsch, M., & Marcus, C. (Eds.). (2014). The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice (3rd ed.). Wiley. 

Demonstration of Proficiency

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

• Competency 1: Identify variables within an organizational structure that can promote conflict. 
  • Describe the factors that contribute to conflict between law enforcement and members of a community.
• Competency 2: Apply theoretical perspectives on conflict. 
  • Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions of power interfere with the ability to resolve conflict.
• Competency 3: Apply appropriate strategies to reduce or resolve conflicts. 
  • Identify conflict resolution strategies for law enforcement community conflicts.
• Competency 4: Analyze the impact of conflict on relationship building in face-to-face, virtual, cyber, and group communication. 
  • Explain how perceptions of power contribute to conflict situations.
• Competency 5: Evaluate the outcome of proposed strategies of conflict resolution. 
  • Determine the outcome of a conflict resolution strategy.
• Competency 6: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats. 
  • Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate APA format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Preparation

Search the Capella library and the Internet to locate resources that address the dynamics of power and conflict (in particular, with relation to law enforcement), the relational theory of power, perceptions of power, and how things such as gender, culture, and ethnicity can affect that perception.

Instructions

Complete the following:

• Describe the factors or conditions that contribute to conflict situations between law enforcement and citizens.
• Explain how perceptions of power may contribute to conflict situations between law enforcement and members of a community. Be sure you consider the perceptions of both the police and individual citizens.
• Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions of power affect the ability to resolve police–community conflict.
• Identify strategies you believe might be effective in reducing or resolving conflicts between police and communities.
• Choose one strategy and determine the likely outcome.