From conflict to co-operation
From Conflict to Co-operation is a series of five cartoon booklets from Co-operatives UK which aims to help enterprises not only deal with conflict when it arises but also avoid unnecessary conflict.
As Gillian Bober, President of the East of England Co-operative Society, states in the Foreword:
"In order to achieve their goals and be sustainable, community enterprises need to know how to work as a team - communicating effectively, making good decisions, dealing with the inevitable conflicts and coping with growth and change. From Conflict to Co-operation – a series of handy illustrated guides – is invaluable. It includes useful hints and tips as well as signposting to further resources."
The author Kate Whittle has been working with co-operatives both in the UK and overseas for over 20 years. She has worked as a researcher, trainer, mentor and development worker for a wide range of co-operatives and social enterprises. Angela Martin, the illustrator is a well known cartoonist with vast experience of illustrating community guides and handbooks.
Acknowledgements
Kate Whittle would like to thank Chris Cornforth of the Open University Business School and Bob Cannell of Suma Wholefoods for their contributions. All the co-operatives and community enterprises Kate has worked with, both in the UK and in the Dominican Republic, for their inspiration and example, but perhaps especially 8th Day Co-op and Unicorn Grocery, both based in Manchester, UK. Finally Kate would like to thank Co-operatives UK for creating the space and resource for these innovative booklets to be produced.
If you would like to know more about the booklets, please contact Michael Shepherd on 0161 246 2975; michael.shepherd@uk.coop.
Booklet 1: Conflict - where it comes from and how to deal with it
This booklet reviews different conflict resolution approaches - and find that this assertive, co-operative approach is the most satisfactory way to deal with major conflicts, since it involves people working together to find a solution everyone will commit to.
Conflict is part of life. It is evidence that there is a wealth of experience, knowledge and ideas in the group. Within the community enterprise some conflict is inevitable and we need to know how to deal with it in a constructive way when it arises - that's what this booklet is about. Some conflict is preventable and we look at how to reduce the likelihood of conflict in the booklets 2 to 5 of the From conflict to co-operation series.
Booklet 2: Communication Skills
Good communication skills are important in all areas of life, but in a Community Enterprise it is vital that everyone knows how to communicate effectively, since the success of the enterprise relies on the shared skills, experience and knowledge of all the members.
This booklet, the second in the From conflict to co-operation series, starts by outlining some basic communication concepts. We then look at steps we can take to improve communication, including avoiding misunderstandings that arise because of different cultural and gender assumptions.
We discuss the importance of being assertive for good communication, and how the enterprise benefits from maximum participation by members.
Booklet 3: Meetings and Decision Making
For a democratically-run community enterprise, effective decision making is a crucial ingredient for success.
This booklet, the third in the From conflict to co-operation series, discusses how to improve organisational decision-making.
Part 1 focuses on three tools which will help make your meetings more productive and enjoyable, and Part 2 looks at different approaches to decision-making and offers a simple guide to the decision making process.
Booklet 4: Organisational Growth and Development
This booklet, the fourth in the From conflict to co-operation series, explores the tensions that can arise as an organisation grows, and identify the tools, techniques and approaches which will help you to move from an informal group to a mature organisation, where everyone is committed to the organisational goals and understands how the organisation functions and their role within it.
Booklet 5: Role and responsibilities of the committee
This booklet, the fifth in the From conflict to co-operation series, describes ways in which misunderstandings or unchecked assumptions about the role and responsibilities of the Committee can result in organisational conflict. We then suggest how to prevent or minimise such conflicts through clarifying the role of the committee, identifying key responsibilities and understanding how the Committee functions.