Title: Credit Unit 2 Introduction
Course: SkillsCom BA 285 15.0 > Section: Credit Unit 2 Module 1

Much of this credit unit is devoted to interactional psychology and the advances made regarding personality and behavior in specific situations. Personality characteristics discussed include locus of control, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-monitoring, and positive/negative affect. Personality theories explained include trait theory and the integrative approach. This section also looks at individual attitudes, which are shaped by the interaction of situations, experiences and values. Understanding the dynamics of interactional psychology and how attitudes are formed enable future managers to understand how these forces affect individual ethics. This section also studies emotions and mental states that typically include feelings, physiological changes, and the inclination to act. Finally, a model of ethical behavior is presented, and factors affecting ethical behavior are discussed.

Today’s organizations may face greater potential for conflict than ever before, yet many people are unskilled at managing it. Credit unit 2 will overview functional and dysfunctional conflict and highlight the major causes of conflict in organizations. Conflict management, which includes, avoiding, accommodating, competing, compromising, and collaborating, will also be studied in-depth.

Course Outcomes:

- Describe characteristics of culture and resulting behavioral tendencies (especially as related to communication, teamwork and leadership, and conflict resolution)
- Explain the foundations of individual behavior in diverse organizational and cultural settings.