Conflict has heightened between the departments of a textile manufacturer, following a recent decision by the manager of the cloth inspection department to a tightening up of the inspection standards. She insists that the quality of output has to improve if the organisation is to remain competitive.

This has resulted in some staff being idle more frequently and the sight of this idle time has frustrated the management and other employees in the weaving department, due to the direct link between time and bonus payments.

Using the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument, which of the following would be the most appropriate method of resolving the conflict in this situation?