Part of the role of 98% of HR managers includes handling conflict at work, with businesses with high levels of conflict experiencing greater turnover, increased sick leave and absenteeism, unproductive use of time and increased legal costs.

These are the findings of a recent survey by Employee Development Systems (EDS), which also found that 81% of HR professionals have experienced an employee resigning as a result of conflict, and 77% have seen it result in increased absenteeism.

The survey found that some common causes of workplace conflict included:

• Warring egos and personality clashes (86%)
• Poor leadership (73%)
• Lack of honesty (67%)
• Stress (64%)
• Clashing values (59%)

However, the survey also found that when conflict is handled effectively, it can become a catalyst for positive change. In organisations where HR has effectively resolved conflict, 57% have seen better ongoing problem solving, 31% increased motivation, 77% more tolerance of others, and 40% an increase in overall team performance.

Stopping conflict as it arises

Conflict resolution and communication specialist Edie Heste advises that HR should take the following steps when conflict arises:

1. Impose a deadline to resolve the conflict. Make sure that staff understand that too much time spent arguing just means that everyone loses.

2. Find a common point everyone can agree on. When conflict arises, people are too busy looking at their differences to see common ground. If this is identified, people are more likely to start working together towards a solution.

3. Encourage people to focus on what they are prepared to accept. Take the focus away from what the other person did ‘wrong’ and onto stating their needs.

4. Ask staff to specify their preferences, rather than making demands. Ask people to prioritise preferences if there is more than one thing they want from the situation.

5. Reverse roles. Ask each person to consider the other person’s point of view. If each party understands the other's viewpoint, they will be more willing to reach a compromise.

6. Ask people to remain objective and professional when dealing with professional disputes.

7. Reinforce employees' self-esteem. Don't let those who didn't get what they wanted feel like the loser or that they were wrong.

8. If all else fails, use a third party to settle disputes. An objective mediator can assist with a solution that suits both parties.

With winter approaching fast, Fujitsu General is once again be running its successful Fujitsu Free Money promotion. 

“Once again, Fujitsu will be rewarding consumers who purchase Australia’s most trusted air conditioning brand,” said Milton Kaloudis, national marketing manager, Fujitsu General. “Retailers and dealers have come to expect and look forward to the Fujitsu Free Money promotion.

“As always, our focus is on supporting retailers by driving foot traffic into stores so we are extremely pleased to be able to respond to market demands and offer the Fujitsu Free Money promotion for another year.

“The public reaction to the Fujitsu Free Money campaign continues to far exceed expectations. The promotion which first ran in 2006 is supported by the biggest investment of any air conditioning supplier across all media,” added Kaloudis.

The Fujitsu Free Money Pre-Paid Visa card promotion began a month earlier than usual on 1 March, and will run until 31 July. Once again, consumers who purchase a Fujitsu General inverter air conditioning system will be offered a pre-paid Visa card, valued at up to $400, via redemption.

“Central to the campaign are key messages that focus on educating consumers about the benefits of using Fujitsu General inverter reverse cycle air conditioning as a cost effective and efficient heating solution. We are continuing to grow the consumer’s awareness that Fujitsu air conditioning is the right choice for comfort in the home, not just in summer, but also in winter.”

The campaign – which features former Australian Cricket captain and brand ambassador, Mark Taylor – is set to run across TV, online and print media, and will be supported by point-of-sale materials for retailers.

Nike have designed a new away kit for the Qantas Socceroos to celebrate the vibrancy, energy and modern approach of both the nation and football team.

In line with Nike's commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit's shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The fabric is also up to 23 per cent lighter than the version four years ago. Embedded with Nike Dri-FIT technology, the kits help to regulate players temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.

Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt promotes localised cooling where athletes need it most to remain focused on the game.

A new double knit structure and yarns also makes this kit 20 per cent stronger, with no compromise to fit and feel with natural cotton added for comfort.

The new Australia away shirt has an obsidian blue body with a new and bold yellow stripe along the entire left side, which runs through the national coat of arms, and reflects both the nation's modernity, and the contrasting and bright light of the vast Australian landscapes.

On the right sleeve is a smaller yellow stripe, which completes the stripe on the body of the shirt, while inside the neck is the Football Federation Australia badge.

The new away shorts are obsidian blue, while the new away socks, now with improved cushioning for greater comfort, are also obsidian blue with 'Australia' on the back of each calf.

Australian Business Case Studies Pty Ltd publishes and distributes The Australian Financial Review Case Studies with Business News, an invaluable educational tool designed to meet the needs of Business Studies and Commerce students and aligned to key curriculum topics. The case studies provide students and teachers with opportunities to appreciate and analyse real challenges faced by people in business and illustrate how business theory is put into practice in real-life situations.

You can now order unlimited extra copies for you and your students, priced at $39.95 each or $350 for a pack of 10. Click here to order your copies, or call us on 1800 249 727 from Australia and 0800 990 999 from New Zealand.

Our website has been updated with a fresh new look and improved useability and search functions – it’s now easier than ever to find the information you need.

Case studies from the latest edition can also be accessed online free-of-charge, while the subscription system allows you access to over 80 additional case studies, learning activities and teaching hints & strategies. Available as single user subscriptions priced at $69.95 or school multi user subscription at $149.95, the subscription allows you and your students access to the latest information on Australia and New Zealand’s leading businesses and organisations.

The Australian Financial Review Case Studies with Business News RELAUNCH!

Australian Business Case Studies is pleased to announce the relaunch of The Australian Financial Review Case Studies with Business News. Now available in a convenient A4 size, the print version is designed to be easier to carry and photocopy, while still providing students and teachers with the same great content.

As always, your school will receive a free copy each year, but you can now order unlimited extra copies for you and your students, priced at $39.95 each or $350 for a pack of 10. Log on to www.afrbiz.com.au or www.bizcs.co.nz to order your copies, or call us on 1800 249 727 from Australia and 0800 990 999 from New Zealand.

Our websites have been updated with a fresh new look and improved useability and search functions – it’s now easier than ever to find the information you need.

Edition 7 case studies can also be accessed free-of-charge, while the new subscription system allows you access to over 80 additional case studies, learning activities and teaching hints & strategies. Available as single user subscriptions priced at $69.95 or school multi user subscription at $149.95, the subscription allows you and your students access to the latest information on Australia and New Zealand’s leading businesses and organisations.

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·         Access to all case studies, learning activities and teaching hints & strategies as convenient pdf or word documents

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Australian Business Case Studies Pty Ltd publishes and distributes The Australian Financial Review Case Studies with Business News, an invaluable educational tool designed to meet the needs of Business Studies and Commerce students and aligned to key curriculum topics. The case studies provide students and teachers with opportunities to appreciate and analyse real challenges faced by people in business and illustrate how business theory is put into practice in real-life situations.

Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us on 02 4991 2874 in Australia and 0800 990 999 from New Zealand.

QUESTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Read The Institute - ’The role of accounting in business’.

1. How do Chartered Accountants serve the public interest?

2. List three users of accounting information.

3. Outline the purpose of preparing financial reports.

3. Explain three limitations of financial reports.

4. What are the objectives of sound financial management?

5. Name and explain (in your own words) five different fields Chartered Accountants can work in.

6. Why is clear and transparent reporting vital to a company?

7. Why are businesses under increased scrutiny nowdays?

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

1. There have been many examples of companies becoming insolvent after poor or fraudulent financial management. Investigate one of these companies and present a report the events leading to their collapse. Include how these events could have been prevented with effective safeguards, transparency and financial management. Examples could include Enron, WorldCom, OneTel, HIH or Centro.

2. Using the website of St James Ethics Centre (www.corporate-responsibility.com.au) look for the information relating to ethics in business. What is corporate social responsibility and how is it achieved? 

McDonald's Australia has released its 2011 EEO Public Report, detailing the company's energy use and opportunities for energy efficiency. Click here to access the report.