Conflict

Question 1

What is conflict?

Answer 1

The process in which one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party

Question 2

What is constructive conflict?

Answer 2

Conflict is aimed at issue, not parties

Produces benefits of conflict

Question 3

What is relationship conflict?

Answer 3

Aims conflict at the person (e.g. their competence), not the task or issue

Introduces perceptual biases

Distorts information processing

Question 4

What types of conditions minimize relationship conflict while engaging in constructive conflict?

Answer 4

1) Emotional intelligence
2) Cohesive team
3) Supportive team norms

Question 5

What are the six sources of conflict?

Answer 5

1) Incompatible goals
2) Differentiation
3) Task interdependence
4) Scarce resources
5) Ambiguous rules
6) Communication problems

Question 6

How can you reduce incompatible goals?

Answer 6

Emphasize common objective rather than conflicting sub-goals

Question 7

How can you reduce differentiation?

Answer 7

Remove sources of different values and beliefs

e.g. Move employees around to different jobs

Question 8

How can you reduce communication problems?

Answer 8

Improving communication/understanding

Question 9

How can you reduce task interdependence?

Answer 9

Dividing shared resources

Combine tasks

Use buffers

Question 10

How can you reduce scarce resources?

Answer 10

Increase resources

Question 11

How can you reduce ambiguous rules?

Answer 11

Clarify Rules and Procedures