In this case study we will be analyzing a conflict between coworkers from “Not on My
Sabbath” by Joy Koesten. The situation involves a woman, Joan, who has been highly
successful in the agency in which she works. A problem arises between her and her
coworker/superior, Sue, who is seemingly jealous of Joans quick success. Sue ends up
making a change to Joans job description that conflicts with her religious practices. We
will be analyzing their goals, styles, tactics, and approaches to this conflict.
In the conflict of “Not on my Sabbath”, there are three key players. One of them is Sue
Arnold and the other is Joan Kissinger. Gloria Davis is also involved in the conflict,
however to a lesser extent than the other two. Joan contributed to the situation in a very
peaceful manner which was by going on with her normal day activities, while still making
her position known and felt. This is until Sue, who seems to have a bitterness towards Joan
for the success that she has had in her job, insists that she works weekends. Everything
was under control until it came to Joans job description which was collaborated upon by
Sue and Joan. It was essentially finalized and agreed upon by both of them. Without Joans
knowledge, Sue decided to add “Must be available to work evenings and weekends when
needed” (Koesten, p. 352). The problem with this is that during Sue and Joans dialogues
on Joans job description, they had discussed that she was not available to work on
Saturdays due to religious reasons. Saturday is her Sabbath day. Joan then wrote a memo
to Sue informing her that she could not work Saturdays and would instead be eager to
work Sundays if needed. Joan then left for vacation thinking that this would resolve the
conflict. Unfortunately it did not, and it only lead to a memo being written back to Joan
from Sue and Gloria, Joans superior. The memo was very strongly worded and was written
in all capitals, which was seemingly intended to illustrate condescension. It was meant to
inform Joan that she is expected to work on Saturdays, and that Joan needs to be a team
player.
Before we discuss what elements of conflict are present in this situation, we must define
what it is to have conflict. Conflict is defined as “an expressed struggle between at least
two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and
