7 Summary of Week 5

This week discussed conflict and, specifically, the need for more of it in work. You were introduced to the idea of agonism, a channelling of your passions and even antagonisms in ways that are consistent with a liberal-democratic philosophy and approach.

Introducing the idea of conflict within organisations, the case was made that such challenge can be a constructive and useful device, even if it is frequently uncomfortable, and you were introduced to some ways in which you can make your work more challenge-friendly.

The week concluded with a discussion of agonism in its broader context, that of the sector as a whole. Approaching the notion of sector independence and the campaigning work of voluntary organisations, you considered whether agonism provides a useful counter (or supplement) to partnership as an ethos informing how the sector interacts and plans its relations with external organisations.

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