Which conflict-resolution technique would be most effective in helping create a shared goal that cannot be attained without the cooperation of each…

A superordinate goal is a common objective that is highly valued by all conflicting parties but is unattainable by any single party or subgroup through their independent efforts. This technique effectively resolves conflict by shifting the focus from individual or group-specific disputes to a larger, shared purpose that necessitates collaboration. The need to work together to achieve this compelling goal overrides the existing conflict, fostering cooperation and building a new, positive relationship between the formerly conflicting parties.

A. Communication: While essential for any resolution process, communication is a general tool, not the specific technique of creating a shared, compelling goal that requires cooperation.

C. Avoidance: This is a conflict-handling style that involves ignoring or withdrawing from the conflict, which prevents resolution and does not create any shared goals.

D. Authoritative command: This technique uses formal authority to impose a solution, which may suppress the conflict temporarily but does not foster genuine cooperation toward a shared goal.

1. Robbins

S. P.

& Judge

T. A. (2018). Organizational Behavior (18th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 14

"Conflict and Negotiation

" the text discusses superordinate goals as a conflict-resolution technique that creates a shared objective requiring parties to cooperate

thereby reducing conflict (pp. 468-469).

2. Sherif

M. (1958). Superordinate goals in the reduction of intergroup conflict. American Journal of Sociology

63(4)

349–356. This foundational article defines superordinate goals as having a "compelling appeal for members of each group

but that neither group can achieve without the other" (p. 355).

3. MIT OpenCourseWare. (2004). 15.311 Organizational Processes

Lecture Notes

Lecture 16: Managing Conflict and Negotiation. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The lecture notes identify "creating a common enemy/goal" as a structural approach to managing conflict

which aligns directly with the concept of superordinate goals.