Collaboration, conflict, and power: Lessons for case managers

Case managers who develop skills in conflict management and in the judiciou s use of power will become effective collaborators. Although collaboration is a core Value for many disciplines, often the skills necessary to effecti vely collaborate are not developed during the formal education process and there is a "gap" in collaborative practice competence. Based on a review of literature, collaboration structures and processes are presented. Current research analysis of the impact of conflict on collaboration suggests that task conflict can influence collaboration positively and enhance decision q uality. Additionally, the use of goodwill power when task conflicts arise c an lead to better resolution than the use of formal power.