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Showing Compassion After Conflict: Building a Forgiving Organization

Ryan Fehr, PhD


Assistant Professor Michael G. Foster School of Business University of Washington, Seattle

Does forgiveness have a place at work?


The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Mahatma Gandhi

To err is human; to forgive, divine.


Alexander Pope

Without forgiveness, there is no future.


Desmond Tutu

Does forgiveness have a place at work?


When I interviewed executives in the USA the common opinion was that forgiveness was an abstract philosophical or religious idea that was inappropriate to discuss in the workplace. It often brought up fears about losing trust and/or control.
Michael Stone Business consultant

Advantages of forgiveness
Benefits for victims More positive affect Less stress Better health More satisfaction More pro-relationship behavior

Benefits for relationships

Benefits for organizations

More prosocial behavior

Advantages of forgiveness
Research on the idea of revenge as cathartic is mixed.

Risks of revenge

Revenge often makes you feel worse, not better.

Risks of avoidance

Avoidance is also a problem, especially when the offender is someone you need to work closely with.

Building a culture of forgiveness


Concern #1 Solution #1 Concern #2 Solution #2 Concern #3 Solution #3 Forgiveness will make me seem weak or powerless. People will think Im a doormat. Practice compassion. Initial reactions to conflict are often antisocial. We feel vengeful and angry when offended. Practice temperance.

Forgiveness lets people off the hook. If I forgive I wont get justice.
Practice restorative justice.

Forgiveness in action
Michigan Health Systems apology program:

Goal

To manage conflict proactively by apologizing when things go wrong, and seek forgiveness.

Effects

Cut litigation costs by $2 million per year Medical liability claims fell 40%

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