8. Leadership And Conflict

Question 1

Sources of conflict

Answer 1

1) Information
2) Goals
3) Values

Question 2

Differences in information

Answer 2

Between group members, based on their experiences, background and skills

Question 3

Differences in interests

Answer 3

Require team members to compete for the same scarce resources

Question 4

Differences in values

Answer 4

The result of underlying differences in values. When people differ in their basic values, they find it difficult to compromise on these values

Question 5

Types of conflict

Answer 5

1) Task-based conflict
2) Relationship conflict
3) Process conflict

Question 6

Task-based conflict

Answer 6

A disagreement over ideas or opinions that are related directly to the content of the task or decision at hand

Question 7

Relationship conflict

Answer 7

A reflection of interpersonal differences or incompatibility, and results in negative affect in the group (anger, frustration or annoyance) directed at another individual in the group

Question 8

Process conflict

Answer 8

When groups disagree over how the task should be accomplished, or the processes surrounding how the group should work together to accomplish the task goal

Question 9

Positive conflict

Answer 9

Task-based conflict: improves the decision-making ability and creativity of group members, as well as innovation and the effectiveness of decision implementation

Question 10

Negative conflict

Answer 10

Relationship conflict: produces tension and frustration that interfere with group processes, resulting in lowers satisfaction for individual group members and generally lower productivity

Groups in which members differ significantly from one another in terms of underlying values, assumptions and backgrounds tend to have more conflict and less cohesion and satisfaction

Question 11

The most potent weapons for achieving a positive influence over group conflict

Answer 11

Indirect power in the form of control over group membership and process

Question 12

Benefits of indirect forms of power

Answer 12

1) When leaders directly influence the group’s task and outcome, they fail to resolve the conflict that exists between group members. However, when the leader uses indirect forms of power to shape the group’s processes, the group tends to make better decisions and in general to have a higher quality interaction
2) Direct power displays by leaders tent to create a negative interpersonal atmosphere in the group. Direct displays of power can reduce the ability of the group to make good decisions.

Question 13

Ways in which the direct exercise of power in a conflict situation can enhance future conflict

Answer 13

1) By creating negative feelings toward the leader
2) By causing people to temporarily hide their true opinions
3) By disrupting group cohesion

Question 14

Negative effects of direct use of power

Answer 14

1) Leads to negative feelings between the group leader and members of the team
2) It may reduce the conflict in the short term but lead to longer-term disagreement and lack of trust
3) Reduce the overall cohesion of the group. People tend to feel a greater affiliation toward others who have a similar level of power as themselves

Question 15

Three strategies for indirect power

Answer 15

1) Structuring the group
2) Directing an inclusive group process
3) Managing the external boundaries

Question 16

Managing the external boundaries

Answer 16

Provide a filtered amount of feedback about group performance. Enough to promote some degree of task conflict but not so much as to promote relationship conflict.

Teams that used information from the environment effectively to inform their decisions and actions, tended to have higher levels of success. One way to facilitate this external interaction is to compose the group of members from a range of functional specialties, so that they can interact and exchange knowledge with many groups outside of the team itself.

Question 17

The challenge for leaders is

Answer 17

To facilitate beneficial task conflict while minimizing harm to the interpersonal relationships between group members.