Eye to Eye Case Study

Unit 7: Assignment

Zaheera Hakeem

CM-310

Professor Hughes

June 7th, 2013.

Kaplan University

The case study “Eye to Eye” talks about a conflict between a married couple, Enrique and Monica. The couple is spending their Saturday morning off work together but unfortunately get into an argument that spoils their weekend plans.

First we can look at the nature of the conflict. The events that triggered the conflict are that Monica tries to plan out an enjoyable Saturday for the both of them but Enrique is somewhat aloof and unresponsive. She then asks about his work which causes the conflict. The historical context of the argument is that Monica compares her own relationship to that of her parents’ and is afraid of all the similarities she sees. There is also a suggestion that Enrique is really pressured at work and is eager to receive a promotion. Monica certainly has assumptions about conflict and she keeps thinking about how her parents would fight. Monica tries to talk to Enrique and keep the mood light but Enrique is first avoidant and then snaps and starts yelling at Monica. Monica wants some collaboration from Enrique and wants him to help out with the household chores and take his mind off work. Enrique, consumed with worries about his promotion cannot understand how Monica expects him to forget about his work. The perceived scarce resources are time that both individuals have to take care of household chores. Enrique says he is going to spend some time with his friend and pick up Monica for pizza later and Monica says that she should not be expected to do all the housework when she works all week as well. They are interdependent because both of them see the other one as not understanding each other’s point of view.

The second question we can discuss is negotiation. Monica tries to negotiate with Enrique when he snaps about not being able to forget his work. She apologizes and tries to get him on board. Even during the start of the conflict she...