Collaborative Problem Solving: Strategies and Tools

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023 the Scheinman Institute hosted a webinar on “Collaborative Problem Solving: Strategies and Tools.”

The discussion was moderated by Sally Klingel, Director of the Labor-Management Relations Program for the Institute, and John August, Director of Healthcare and Partner Programs.

The seminar focused on finding durable and equitable solutions to the many issues caused by the rapid pace of change in the workplace, which requires labor and management to work together to fully understand and address the source of
conflicts.

Two types of approaches were discussed: Interest-based problem solving and Interest-based bargaining.

Interest-based problem solving is a way of addressing existing workplace disputes and pre-empting future ones. It is a collaborative approach to problem solving. Stakeholders work cooperatively with each other to solve a problem or realize an objective. Participants work together to reach agreement by sharing information and remaining creative and flexible, rather than by taking adversarial positions.

Interest based bargaining is collaborative approach to resolving labor and management disputes. Through the process, parties proactively identify durable solutions to outcomes at the bargaining table. Agreements are based on mutual and individual interests rather than positions. This approach emphasizes problem solving and enables mutual gain outcomes.

 View the webinar to learn more about these two-workplace problem-solving strategies.