Oscar and Olivia are, for the most part, a very happily marriedcouple. They live in Missoula, Montana. Both Oscar and Olivia areoutdoor enthusiasts who enjoy skiing, hiking, and fishing in thebeautiful country surrounding their town. Oscar has a fairlyhigh-paying job at a computer company, and seems to be “moving upfast.†Olivia has a fairly low-paying job with the county as asocial worker. Both have graduate degrees, and were lucky enough tofind jobs in the same town. They both like their jobs verymuch.
One day Oscar arrives home and is very excited. He has just beenoffered a very prestigious promotion, accompanied by a substantialraise. If he takes it, he will eventually be a vice president ofthe company. The job does entail, however, a move to Chicago. Hethinks Olivia will be excited about the promotion too. He tells herwith great enthusiasm.
The following conversation ensues:
Oscar: Olivia, I know this means moving, and that you like yourjob, but I am sure you can find something in Chicago.
Olivia: But Oscar, I hate Chicago, and I am just nowfeeling “settled†in my job, and I love it. I don’t want tomove.
Oscar: But Olivia, don’t be ridiculous. Chicago is a wonderfulplace, and I am sure there’s a lot more social work to be donethere than in this small-time town.
Olivia: I just don’t want to move and that’s that.
Oscar: You’re making $30,000, and I am making $48,000. If I takethe promotion, I’ll be making $58,000 with no end in sight. Don’tyou think you’re being selfish?
Olivia: Don’t you think you’re being selfish?
Oscar: I don’t believe this! I thought you’d be happy for me! Seeyou later, I’m going drinking
with the guys.
Considering the information above, please answer thefollowing questions.
1. Identify Olivia’s topic, relationship, identity and processgoals in this conflict.
2. Identify Oscar’s topic, relationship, identity and processgoals in this conflict.
3. Choose to be either Oscar or Olivia in this scenario. Thendiscuss how your (i.e., Oscar’s or
Olivia’s) goals changed. (Hint: think of prospective,transactive and retrospective goals.)
4. While still identifying as Oscar or Olivia, suggest possiblesolutions to this conflict and state why
you believe these possible solutions may result in the bestoutcome given the situation.
5. What suggestions do you, as yourself, have for the parties inthis conflict?
