8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

1/13

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

2/13

What is conflict?

--expressed struggle--between at least two interdependent parties--who perceive incompatible goals, scare

resources, and

--interference from others in achieving theirgoals (Wilmot and Hocker, 1998)

Conflicts exist whenever incompatible activitiesoccur.

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

3/13

Sources of Conflictsx Differences in information, beliefs, values, interests,

or desires.

x A scarcity of some resource

x

Rivalries in which one person or group competes withanother.

x Conflict can be desirable.

x Conflict helps eliminate or reduce the likelihood ofgroupthink.

x A moderate level of conflict across tasks within agroup resulted in increased group performance whileconflict among personalities resulted in lower groupperformance (Peterson and Behfar, 2003)

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

4/13

Cont.. Conflict of feelings are often called personality

conflict

Conflict of ideas.

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

5/13

Conflict management

Conflict managementis defined as the

opportunity to improve situations andstrengthen relationships (BCS, 2004).proactive conflict managementcollaborative conflict management

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

6/13

5 Ways To Manage conflict

Avoidance

Competition (A) Accommodation (B)

Compromise (C)

Collaboration (D)

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

7/13

Cont

I win, you lose (competitionA)

I lose or give in (accommodateB)We both get something

(compromiseC)

We both win(collaborateD

)A B D ______________________

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

8/13

Competition

Plus

The winner is clear Winners usually experience gains

Minus

Establishes the battleground for the next conflict

May cause worthy competitors to withdraw orleave the organization

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

9/13

Accommodation

Plus

Curtails conflict situation Enhances ego of the other

Minus

Sometimes establishes a precedence

Does not fully engage participants

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

10/13

Compromise

Plus

Shows good will Establishes friendship

Minus

No one gets what they want

May feel like a dead end

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

11/13

Collaboration

Plus

Everyone wins Creates good feelings

Minus Hard to achieve since no one knows how

Often confusing since players can win somethingthey didnt know they wanted

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

12/13

Tips to Manage Conflicts

Build good relationships before conflict occurs Do not let small problems escalate; deal with them

as they arise Respect differences Listen to others perspectives on the conflict

situation Acknowledge feelings before focussing on facts

Focus on solving problems, not changing people If you cant resolve the problem, turn to someone

who can help Remember to adapt your style to the situation and

persons involved

8/7/2019 conflict by 52 and 8

13/13