Write a 3-5 page blog post titled “Conflict and Power” that explains how individual perceptions of power can create conflict situations between law enforcement and members of a community. Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions affect the ability to resolve conflict. Then, identify a conflict resolution strategy and predict the outcome.

Introduction
Power plays a role in most conflicts. According to Coleman, Deutsch, and Marcus (2014), power can be understood by looking at its relationship to a situation and how that power is used. It is important to consider the role that each person in a conflict situation plays and that person’s place in the power hierarchy. Also, consider culture, as it can influence the way people react to power inequalities. Understanding these differences is key when trying to understand the dynamics of conflict and formulate strategies for conflict resolution.

Reference
Coleman, P., Deutsch, M., & Marcus, E. C. (Eds.). (2014). The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

Competency 1: Identify variables within an organizational structure that can promote conflict.
Describe the factors that contribute to conflict between law enforcement and members of a community.
Competency 2: Apply theoretical perspectives on conflict.
Use the relational theory of power to explain how perceptions of power interfere with the ability to resolve conflict.
Competency 3: Apply appropriate strategies to reduce or resolve conflicts.
Identify conflict resolution strategies for law enforcement community conflicts.
Competency 4: Analyze the impact of conflict on relationship building in face-to-face, virtual, cyber, and group communication.
Explain how perceptions of power contribute to conflict situations.
Competency 5: Evaluate the outcome of proposed strategies of conflict resolution.
Determine the outcome of a conflict resolution strategy.
Competency 6: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate APA format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Preparation
Search the Capella library and the Internet to locate resources that address the dynamics of power and conflict (in particular, with relation to law enforcement), the relational theory of power, perceptions of power, and how things such as gender, culture, and ethnicity can affect that perception.

Instructions