13.1 Flashcards
What is intergroup bias in organizations?
It’s the tendency to favor one’s own group over others, even when groups are randomly assigned.
Why does intergroup bias develop?
To boost self-esteem and feelings of social belogning by associating with group successes.
What organizational factors increase group conflict?
Identification with groups based on race, gender, job function or level, and differences in power or opportunity.
How does interdependence create conflict?
It requires interactions and shared power, which can be abused and causing tension.
Can interdependence be positive?
Yes, it can foster collaboration if managed well.
How does power imbalance lead to conflict?
When one group needs another group, but the other group doesn’t help back, it can cause anger and problems.
Give an example of power-based conflict in factories.
Production workers may resent inspectors who have the final say but don’t rely on them.
How can status differences cause conflict?
When lower-status workers direct or control higher-status ones, leading to resentment.
What happens when status is contested?
Groups compete for recognition, leading to rivalry, like marketers vs. sales staff.
How does culture contribute to organizational conflict?
Different subcultures clash over values and practices, as seen in Apple or Canaccord examples.
What is ambiguity in organizations?
Unclear goals, roles, or criteria that lead to breakdowns in rules and misattribution of outcomes.
How can ambiguity lead to conflict?
It creates confusion over responsibility and performance, leading to disputes like marketing vs. design teams.
What is a common source of ambiguity-related conflict?
Managers judging employees on vague tasks like ‘discovering new knowledge’.
How do scarce resources increase conflict?
They intensify power struggles, provoke overt conflict, and encourage domain protection.
Example of conflict from scarce resources?
Scientists competing for reduced lab space, or Amazon employees jockeying for promotions.
