Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree

The video discusses the work of Alice Stewart, a pioneering epidemiologist who discovered the link between X-rays during pregnancy and childhood cancer. Despite her findings, it took 25 years for medical practices to change. Her collaboration with statistician George Kneale exemplified constructive conflict, which is crucial for effective decision-making. The video also highlights the importance of conflict in organizations, illustrated by Joe's case in a medical device company. It emphasizes the need to develop conflict-handling skills to foster open information and better decision-making.

What was unusual about Alice Stewart's career in the 1950s?

• She was the first female doctor.

• She worked in the field of epidemiology.

• She was the oldest Fellow at the Royal College of Physicians.

• She never had children.

What significant correlation did Alice Stewart discover in her research?

• Children from poor families had higher cancer rates.

• X-rays during pregnancy were linked to childhood cancer.

• Boiled sweets caused childhood cancer.

• Indoor plumbing was a factor in childhood cancer.

Why did it take 25 years for medical establishments to change their practices regarding X-rays?

• The data was not available.

• There was a lack of interest in new technology.

• There was resistance to change despite clear evidence.

• Alice Stewart did not publish her findings.

What was George Kneale's role in his collaboration with Alice Stewart?

• To manage her public relations.

• To actively seek to disprove her findings.

• To prove her theories correct.

• To support her findings without question.

What is a key requirement for constructive conflict according to the transcript?

• Ignoring different backgrounds and experiences.

• Finding people who agree with you.

• Engaging with people who have different perspectives.

• Avoiding conflict at all costs.

What prevents organizations from effectively solving problems, as discussed in the transcript?

• Fear of conflict.

• Too many employees.

• Lack of resources.

• Outdated technology.

What was Joe's main concern about the medical device he was working on?

• It was too expensive.

• It was too simple.

• It was too complicated and could harm patients.

• It was not innovative enough.

How did Joe's colleagues react when he finally raised his concerns?

• They ignored him.

• They agreed and worked together to solve the problem.

• They dismissed his concerns as irrelevant.

• They reported him to management.

What does the University of Delft require from its PhD students to encourage conflict management skills?

• To work in teams without supervision.

• To avoid conflict at all costs.

• To submit five statements they are prepared to defend.

• To write a thesis on conflict.

According to the transcript, what is often the source of major organizational failures?

• Ignoring available information due to fear of conflict.

• Too much openness.

• Secret information.

• Lack of funding.