“Conflict is more a function of the organization”
Imagine a university class that blends case studies, horror stories, and games to practice leadership, negotiation, and smart decision-making skills in the Carson College of Business!! That is how Tom Tripp, Professor of Management, organizes his classes. He loves horror stories; he thrives when students develop adequate leadership and negotiation skills; and he enjoys the FUN of learning together.
As students buy a car, lead a club activity, or promote someone in a professional setting, they examine and improve personal performance and group dynamics. Students first identify the skills or tools needed to improve the situation. Next, they build confidence by practicing leadership and negotiation skills while considering the horrors of poor management and dreadful group dynamics. Dr. Tripp reports that students discover their ability to manage or negotiate tough situations, both in their personal and professional lives.
Tom’s research explores organizational justice, managerial power, and workplace conflict. When slighted, employees may retaliate, forgive, or avoid those who offend them, yet evidence suggests that such conflict is caused more by the organization than by individual personalities. Questions such as what triggers conflict, including factors that escalate or dampen responses, are integral to the research. Student descriptions of “revenge in the workplace” contribute to working theory as a basis for research. Tripp also explores decisions based on “win-win” or “Pareto” analysis whereby additional factors such as total welfare, compensation, or social justice are considered. With 25% of managers’ time invested in conflicts, Tripp’s research is both intellectually interesting and useful in developing productive workplace environments.
Graduates nominated Dr. Tripp for the “Student Award for Excellence of Teaching” in 1999-2000 and in 2014. Support letters described money saved in their personal lives using negotiation skills learned in class – 20 years after enrolling! In 2010, Dr. Tripp was honored by receiving the Excellence in Faculty Teaching Award for the entire WSU system. Tripp received the Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence at WSU Vancouver and the Most Influential Paper in the Conflict Management Division of the Academy of Management for his research involving revenge and forgiveness.
Dr. Tripp is a committed learner himself, now leading teaching redesign efforts at the WSU Vancouver and beyond. Mention teaching and Dr. Tripp expresses delight, imagination, and a keen sense to improve student and faculty performance.
Courses Taught: Leading People & Organizations; Negotiations; Managerial Leadership