Decision Making and Conflict Management
Against a backdrop of major social, economic, and cultural transitions, leaders need a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making and effective conflict management. At the same time, leaders’ decisions are often viewed from varied stakeholders’ perspectives that are sometimes in tension with the leaders’ views and aims. This course equips students with knowledge and skills for navigating complex (and sometimes contentious) organizational landscapes.
- Credits: 3 credits
- Course ID: EIL 712
What You'll Learn
Explore conflict, conflict resolution, and conflict management from multiple perspectives and reflect on the role of leaders in conflict.
Investigate varied frameworks and strategies, including managing bias, to facilitate equitable and ethical decision-making.
Apply tools to understand how to lead and operate at the intersection of conflict engagement and equity-oriented action in shaping inclusive teams in the workplace and communities.
Ready to Wake to Your
Next Chapter?
Your goals are within reach—and we’re here to help you get there.
Course FAQs
What is asynchronous?
Asynchronous learning means that the instructor and the students in the course all engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). The instructor provides students with a sequence of units which the students move through as their schedules permit.
What is the course structure?
Courses are offered fully online and are asynchronous. There is an optional, live interactive session offered weekly so students can engage with one another and with the faculty member. 

How long is each course?
Our mini-sessions (or terms) are 7.5 weeks long, and courses are offered in each mini. Each semester consists of 2 mini-sessions.
How many courses can I take in a mini-term?
We have structured our courses so students can take one course at a time; this is especially important for students balancing full-time employment. We do permit students to take a maximum of two courses in 1 mini-term (i.e. 6 credits over a 7.5 week period). While taking more than two courses in one semester may seem appealing, these online accelerated courses can be difficult to manage, especially while working full-time. In addition, taking more than one course in a mini session could cause conflicts in your weekly live sessions (i.e. they could be offered on the same day and time). 

What is a part-time course load vs. a full-time course load?
Part-time in SPS is defined as 3 credits (1 course) per semester, and full-time is defined as 6 or more credits (2 or more courses) per semester. Every course at SPS is 3 credits.
How fast can I earn a master's degree?
You can finish an SPS program in as little as 16 months if you take a course every mini semester*. If you need more time, that's okay too! We offer flexibility so you can go your own pace.
*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.
*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.