NCJ Number
61366
Date Published
1978
Length
23 pages
Annotation
THIS BOOKLET PRESENTS AN INSTRUCTIONAL SIMULATION GAME THAT DEALS WITH CONFLICT BETWEEN A MANAGER AND SEVERAL SUBORDINATES AS A WAY TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL IMPROVE THEIR CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS.
Abstract
THE GOAL OF THE GAME IS TO EXPLORE WAYS POTENTIAL CONFLICT SITUATIONS CAN BE TURNED INTO PRODUCTIVE ENCOUNTERS. THE GAME'S PURPOSE AND RULES ARE EXPLAINED, AND THE READER IS ASSIGNED THE ROLE OF A RECENTLY PROMOTED PATROL LIEUTENANT WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE IN LEADING GROUPS AND RESOLVING CONFLICTS. THE LIEUTENANT'S HYPOTHETICAL CONFLICT WITH FIELD SERGEANTS ARISES OVER THE ABUSE OF COFFEE BREAK TIME LIMITS. EACH PHASE OF THE CONFLICT IS DESCRIBED. AFTER EACH PHASE, THE READER IS ASKED TO MAKE A DECISION: THE READER EITHER CHOOSES AMONG ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS PRESENTED, WRITES OUT A PLANNED VERBAL STATEMENT, OR PERFORMS SOME OTHER DECISIONMAKING EXERCISE RELATED TO THE SITUATION DESCRIBED. AFTER COMPLETING EACH EXERCISE, THE READER RECEIVES FEEDBACK ON THE CHOSEN COURSE OF ACTION AND ON THE ALTERNATIVES. EACH ALTERNATIVE IS ASSIGNED A SCORE, WHICH THE READER RECORDS ON A WORKSHEET. SKILL AREAS COVERED IN THE GAME INCLUDE INTRODUCING A PROBLEM, COUNTERING A HOSTILE REACTION, DEALING WITH DISSENSION, RESPONDING TO A CONSULTANT'S QUESTIONNAIRE, PLANNING STRATEGIES, DEALING WITH A POLARIZED GROUP, RESOLVING AN IMPASSE, AND SELECTING A LEADERSHIP PATTERN. A SUGGESTED READING LIST IS PROVIDED. FOR TWO RELATED SIMULATION GAMES, SEE NCJ NUMBERS 61364 AND 61366. (CFW)