The concept of face and how it relates to conflict can be complicated. However, understanding and evaluating the role that face plays in a conflict can help those involved understand the actions of the others involved and possibly hold a key toward resolving the conflict. In the Conflict and a R&D Organization case, saving face plays a prominent role in the conflict between Glenn and Greg (Conflict in an R&D, n.d.). Glenn and Greg both are concerned with face loss, this concern contributes to Glenn and Greg’s inability to resolve the conflict and understanding the role face-saving played in this conflict could have meant a different outcome (Conflict in an R&D, n.d.; Folger, Poole, & Stutman, 2013, p. 177-202). Both Glenn and Greg have concerns over positive and negative face (Conflict in an R&D, n.d.; Folger, Poole, & Stutman, 2013, p. 177). For Glenn, his desire to maintain positive face explains a great deal about his actions. Positive face refers to
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202; Conflict in an R&D, n.d.). Since the conflict between Glenn and Greg reached a point where they were communicating with Dale rather than each other, bringing in a third party may be the key to resolving the issue while saving face for both parties. In bringing in a third party, both sides can avoid the threat by using the third party as a scapegoat as a method of saving face (Novak, 2009). A third party scapegoat would accept the responsibility for the process and the decision, thus lessening the need for Glenn and Greg to be defensive. Once defensiveness is removed or lessened, the negotiation process can separate the people from the problem (Fisher, Ury, & Patton, 2011). Once the people are separated from the problem, it is possible that Glenn and Greg can find that their desired outcomes do not necessarily conflict with each
202; Conflict in an R&D, n.d.). Since the conflict between Glenn and Greg reached a point where they were communicating with Dale rather than each other, bringing in a third party may be the key to resolving the issue while saving face for both parties. In bringing in a third party, both sides can avoid the threat by using the third party as a scapegoat as a method of saving face (Novak, 2009). A third party scapegoat would accept the responsibility for the process and the decision, thus lessening the need for Glenn and Greg to be defensive. Once defensiveness is removed or lessened, the negotiation process can separate the people from the problem (Fisher, Ury, & Patton, 2011). Once the people are separated from the problem, it is possible that Glenn and Greg can find that their desired outcomes do not necessarily conflict with each