Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond from edX

Groups and divides appear across our lives: at home, at work, and at play. These divides can help us, individually, collectively and as a society - driving competition, progress, and innovation. But they often drive us apart in ways that are unhelpful, harmful, and in extreme cases, violent. But are they inevitable? Do they serve a purpose? Can they help us? What can we do when divides do more harm than good? What can we do when divisions threaten to break down society?

Polarization can impact every part of life at work, home, and wider society. Impairing judgements, reducing profits and lowering productivity. This course, delivered by Jesus College in the University of Cambridge, draws on expertise from renowned speakers in business, behavioral science, and politics to explore the triggers of division that activate these ‘groupish’ instincts, and how they can lead to problematic polarization.

Whether you’re a working professional or a community leader, this course will help you understand why and how polarization happens. Critically, it will give you the skills to bridge those divides when they occur. It will help you to understand the often-hostile consequences of our natural human instincts to form groups. You’ll leave understanding your role in this phenomenon, and with a grasp of what you can do to master your own behavior and how you can guide others to find common ground.

What you'll learn

By completing this course, you will be able to:

Explain why we polarize creating ingroups and outgroups
Explain how this conflict extends to other aspects of our lives and why it matters
Understand what technology may/may not be doing to make polarization worse
Develop skills to critically assess complex situations and lead groups to bridge divides
Comprehend you too play a role in polarization, often subconsciously
Become confident in healing/handling divisions in the workplace, at home, and beyond.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain why we polarize creating ingroups and outgroups
Explain how this conflict extends to other aspects of our lives and why it matters
Understand what technology may/may not be doing to make polarization worse

Develop skills to critically assess complex situations and lead groups to bridge divides
Comprehend you too play a role in polarization, often subconsciously
Become confident in healing/handling divisions in the workplace, at home, and beyond.

Explain why we polarize creating ingroups and outgroups
Explain how this conflict extends to other aspects of our lives and why it matters
Understand what technology may/may not be doing to make polarization worse
Develop skills to critically assess complex situations and lead groups to bridge divides
Comprehend you too play a role in polarization, often subconsciously
Become confident in healing/handling divisions in the workplace, at home, and beyond.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the consequences of polarization, which can extend to different aspects of life and hinder progress

Provides insights from experts in business, behavioral science, and politics, enhancing the credibility and relevance of the course

Focuses on developing practical skills for identifying and addressing polarization, empowering learners to make a positive impact

Examines the role of technology in shaping polarization, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing this phenomenon

Taught by experienced instructors from Jesus College in the University of Cambridge, indicating the course's academic rigor and quality

Requires a willingness to engage with complex ideas and participate actively in discussions, which may not suit all learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond with these activities:

Practice defining groups and perceiving differences

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Complete guided exercises to improve critical thinking and social comprehension skills

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Identify characteristics of different groups
Analyze communication patterns within and between groups
Practice identifying biases and assumptions

Explore online resources on conflict resolution

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Enhance knowledge and skills for navigating and resolving conflicts

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Identify reputable sources on conflict resolution techniques
Watch video tutorials on different conflict resolution strategies
Practice applying these techniques in simulated or real-life situations

Engage in group discussions on polarization case studies

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Foster critical thinking and communication skills while exploring real-world examples of polarization

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Form study groups and assign case studies related to polarization
Discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to each case study
Share insights and perspectives with the larger group

Five other activities

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Read 'The Righteous Mind'

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Develop a deeper understanding of moral foundations and how they shape group polarization

View The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring... on Amazon

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Mentor students or individuals interested in understanding polarization

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Share your knowledge and experience to empower others in addressing polarization

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Identify opportunities or platforms to connect with mentees
Provide guidance, support, and resources to help mentees develop their understanding of polarization
Encourage mentees to engage in active learning, research, and critical thinking

Design a strategy for bridging divides in a specific context

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Apply course concepts to develop a practical plan for fostering inclusivity and understanding

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Identify a specific context or scenario where polarization exists
Research best practices and case studies on bridging divides
Develop a comprehensive strategy outlining specific actions and interventions
Present the strategy to peers or mentors for feedback

Contribute to online resources on polarization

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Engage with the broader community by sharing knowledge and insights on polarization

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Identify existing online platforms or resources on polarization
Research and write articles, blog posts, or create multimedia content on polarization-related topics
Submit or share your contributions with the chosen platform or resource

Lead a community project to address polarization in a local setting

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Make a tangible impact by implementing solutions to polarization in your own community

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Identify a specific polarization issue prevalent in your community
Mobilize community members, organizations, and stakeholders to form a project team
Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining goals, activities, and timelines
Implement the project, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed
Evaluate the impact of the project and share findings with the community

Career center

Learners who complete Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Conflict Resolution Specialist

Conflict resolution specialists are experts in resolving conflicts between individuals and groups. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may help develop the skills needed to succeed in this role. By understanding the causes of polarization and learning how to assess and lead groups in bridging divides, conflict resolution specialists can mediate disputes and promote understanding.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and inclusion managers are responsible for creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may be a useful resource for this role. By understanding the causes and effects of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, diversity and inclusion managers can more effectively promote diversity and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work to empower communities and bring about positive change. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may assist in developing the skills needed to succeed in this role. By understanding the causes of polarization and learning how to assess and lead groups in bridging divides, community organizers can more effectively facilitate dialogue and build consensus.

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Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational development consultants help organizations improve their performance. For those pursuing this career, the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may provide helpful insights. By understanding the causes and effects of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, organizational development consultants can better assist organizations in managing conflict and improving their overall effectiveness.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers are responsible for managing and supporting employees within an organization. Those pursuing this career may find the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, to be helpful. By learning to bridge divides and create common ground, the skills learned will translate well into effective management of employee relations.

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Public Policy Advocate

Public policy advocates work to influence public policy on behalf of their clients. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may be useful in this role. By understanding the causes and effects of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, public policy advocates can more effectively engage with stakeholders and build support for their policy positions.

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Business Consultant

Business consultants help businesses improve their performance. Those pursuing this career may find the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, to be helpful. By understanding the causes and effects of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, business consultants can better assist their clients in managing conflict and improving their overall effectiveness.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. Those pursuing a career in law may find the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, to be useful. By understanding the causes and effects of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, lawyers will be able to handle conflict resolution more effectively and help their clients navigate legal disputes.

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Political Consultant

Political consultants provide advice and support to candidates and political campaigns. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may be useful for those pursuing this career. By understanding the causes of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, political consultants can better develop and implement strategies to help their clients succeed.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may be helpful for those in this role. By understanding the causes of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, nonprofit managers can better lead their teams and manage conflict within their organizations.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policies. Those wishing to pursue this career may find the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, to be helpful. By understanding the causes of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, policy analysts can more effectively research and analyze policies that affect diverse populations.

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Social Worker

Social workers provide support and guidance to individuals, families, and communities facing challenges. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may help develop the skills needed to be an effective social worker. By understanding the causes and effects of polarization and learning how to bridge divides, social workers can better assist clients experiencing conflict and division.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. Those seeking a career in this field may find the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, to be helpful. This course will provide journalists with valuable insights into the causes and effects of polarization. Furthermore, it will equip them with the skills to critically assess and report on complex issues in a fair and balanced manner.

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Mediator

Mediators resolve disputes between conflicting parties. Those hoping to have a career in this field may find the course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, helpful. The skills taught in this course can assist in the study of conflict resolution and management of polarized behavior. This course may be useful for a mediator who wishes to refine their approach to conflict resolution.

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Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists help individuals with mental health issues. The course, Managing conflict and polarization in the workplace and beyond, may help build a foundation for this role. Psychotherapists can better understand the causes of interpersonal conflict and polarization and learn how to help their clients manage and resolve these issues.

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