CCM Strategic Planning & Execution 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which element distinguishes an interest-based strategy from a positional bargaining strategy?
- Interest-based strategy focuses on underlying needs; positional focuses on stated demands (Correct answer)
- Interest-based strategy is only used in commercial disputes
- Positional bargaining always produces win-win outcomes
- Interest-based strategy requires a binding arbitration clause
Correct answer: Interest-based strategy focuses on underlying needs; positional focuses on stated demands
Interest-based (principled) negotiation addresses the underlying needs driving positions, enabling creative solutions beyond entrenched demands.
Question 2: In a multi-party conflict, coalition management is strategically important because:
- Coalitions always accelerate resolution timelines
- Shifting alliances can alter power balances and derail agreements (Correct answer)
- Coalitions eliminate the need for a neutral mediator
- Legal coalitions are required by most conflict statutes
Correct answer: Shifting alliances can alter power balances and derail agreements
Coalitions among parties can shift power dynamics mid-process; managing them helps maintain balance and prevent blocking minorities from forming.
Question 3: A strategic plan for conflict resolution should include contingency steps primarily because:
- Regulations require written contingency plans in workplace disputes
- Unanticipated events can destabilize the process and require adaptive responses (Correct answer)
- Contingency plans replace the need for a BATNA
- They demonstrate impartiality to all parties
Correct answer: Unanticipated events can destabilize the process and require adaptive responses
Contingency planning ensures the process can continue or pivot when unexpected developments—such as a party withdrawing—occur.
Question 4: Which metric would BEST evaluate the execution success of a conflict resolution strategy?
- Number of sessions held
- Degree to which parties' core interests were addressed in the final agreement (Correct answer)
- Total hours billed by the mediator
- Volume of documents submitted by each party
Correct answer: Degree to which parties' core interests were addressed in the final agreement
Effective resolution is measured by how well the agreement satisfies the underlying interests of all parties, not procedural activity counts.
Question 5: A conflict manager employs a 'single-text procedure' when:
- Only one party is allowed to submit written proposals
- A neutral drafts and iteratively refines a single document incorporating feedback from all parties (Correct answer)
- Parties must respond in writing before any oral sessions
- The mediator issues a unilateral final decision
Correct answer: A neutral drafts and iteratively refines a single document incorporating feedback from all parties
The single-text procedure has a neutral create a draft agreement that evolves through rounds of party feedback until it is mutually acceptable.
Question 6: Framing a conflict strategically as a 'shared problem' rather than an adversarial contest tends to:
- Weaken the mediator's authority over the process
- Shift parties from competitive to collaborative problem-solving orientations (Correct answer)
- Eliminate the need to identify each party's interests
- Guarantee a faster resolution timeline
Correct answer: Shift parties from competitive to collaborative problem-solving orientations
Reframing the conflict as a joint problem encourages parties to work together on solutions rather than fight over positions.
Question 7: During execution, 'reality testing' is a technique used to:
- Verify the authenticity of documents submitted as evidence
- Help parties assess whether their positions are realistic and achievable (Correct answer)
- Confirm that the mediator's notes are accurate
- Test the agreement's enforceability before signing
Correct answer: Help parties assess whether their positions are realistic and achievable
Reality testing prompts parties to critically examine whether their demands or expectations can actually be met given the circumstances.
CCM Strategic Planning & Execution 3
Which element distinguishes an interest-based strategy from a positional bargaining strategy?