Conflict Flashcards
What is conflict?
The process in which one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party
What is constructive conflict?
Conflict is aimed at issue, not parties
Produces benefits of conflict
What is relationship conflict?
Aims conflict at the person (e.g. their competence), not the task or issue
Introduces perceptual biases
Distorts information processing
What types of conditions minimize relationship conflict while engaging in constructive conflict?
1) Emotional intelligence
2) Cohesive team
3) Supportive team norms
What are the six sources of conflict?
1) Incompatible goals
2) Differentiation
3) Task interdependence
4) Scarce resources
5) Ambiguous rules
6) Communication problems
How can you reduce incompatible goals?
Emphasize common objective rather than conflicting sub-goals
How can you reduce differentiation?
Remove sources of different values and beliefs
e.g. Move employees around to different jobs
How can you reduce communication problems?
Improving communication/understanding
How can you reduce task interdependence?
Dividing shared resources
Combine tasks
Use buffers
How can you reduce scarce resources?
Increase resources
How can you reduce ambiguous rules?
Clarify Rules and Procedures