Conflict Flashcards
What is Conflict?
A disagreement or argument between managers and workers it can cause serious problems for a business if they are not settle quickly.
What causes conflict?
- Internal business affairs
- Pay
- Working conditions
- Internal changes
- Harassment
- Poor communication
How does ‘Poor communication’ cause conflict?
This may lead to conflict when instructions to class are not clearly expressed. The tone used whether vocally or in writing is also important.
How does ‘Harassment’ cause conflict?
This can take many forms (sexual, racial, bullying, or even just being discourteous). Such conflicts are not only harmful to the organization but also illegal.
How does ‘Internal changes’ cause conflict?
Changes in the work place or the implementation of new technology can become the source of conflict.
How does ‘Working conditions’ cause conflict?
This is when workers feel that the conditions in the workplace are unsafe or unhealthy.
How does ‘Pay’ cause conflict?
This is the most frequent cause of conflict. It can arise when workers feel that pay is not enough in equivalent to the amount of work that they are required to do.
What are some internal sources of conflict?
- Working conditions
- Job security issues
- Management / leadership issues
- Health & safety problems
- Unfair practices by management
- Miscommunication
- Rate of pay
- Workers right to have a union representative
What are some employee strategies for dealing with conflict?
- Striking/ Withdrawl of labour
- Working to rule (doing exactly what’s in the job description)
- Organizing a go-slow
- Using a sick-out option
- Executing a sick-in
- Overtime ban
- Picketing
- Sit-in
What is work to rule?
Staff continues to do their job but stick to the rules meticulously and do not volunteer for extra unpaid duties.
What is overtime ban?
Staff refuses to do work on evenings / weekends.
What is sickout?
Staff say they are sick and do not go to work but expect to be paid for sick days taken.
What is strike?
Staff do not work and business comes to a stand still. Members of the public suffer if there is a strike by essential workers.
What is a go-slow?
Similar to work to rule, workers do their jobs thoroughly but at a slower pace than normal thus causing a fall in output.
What is picketing?
In order to ensure maximum effect from their industrial action, a group of workers on strike may stand outside the business’ entrance and try to persuade others not to “cross the picket line”
What is a sit-in?
Workers occupy the premises and do no work ensuring that no goods enter or leave the business, preventing the operation of the firm.
What are some employer strategies for dealing with conflict?
- Employment of other workers
- Lock-out
- They may attempt to prevent employees from joining a union
- Firing workers
What is ‘firing workers’ in conflict?
Firing workers : sometimes managers may dismiss workers who go on strike and replace them with temporary workers called scab labour.
What is ‘lock-out’ in conflict?
The employer temporarily closes the business intending to force workers to abandon the dispute.
What are some other strategies for resolving conflict?
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Legal action
What is ‘mediation’ in conflict
This takes place when a third party who is trusted by both sides discusses the issue with each side and tries to find a compromise.
What is ‘Arbitration’ in conflict?
This involves both sides agreeing to go to a third party for a ruling. Unlike mediation, arbitration means agreeing in advance to a binding agreement.
What is ‘Legal Action’ in conflict?
Either side may take the dispute to court if there is breach of the law or contract.
What is conflict resolution?
Conflict resolution is typically resolved with the help of outside agencies.
