Conflict - E2 Flashcards
What is conflict?
Disagreements, when one person is perceived as preventing or interfering with the goals or actions of another
What are some causes of conflict?
History
Differences
Limited resources
Misunderstandings
Stress and failure
What are the symptoms of conflict?
Problems being passed up the hierarchy
Poor communication up and down hierarchy
Hostility and jealousy between groups
Widespread frustration and disatisfaction
What are the consequences of conflict?
Loser effects
Altered judgement
Diversion of energy
Poor co-ordination
What is horizontal conflict?
Groups and departments at same level
Main sources include environment, technology, structure, goal incompatability
What is vertical conflict?
Individuals and groups at different levels
Sources include power and status, ideology, scarce resources
What is constructive conflict?
Considered useful
Positive and beneficial to the organisation as it does not revolve around personality
Creates an environment of innovation and change
Brings problems to the surface so that they can be dealt with
Settles and defines boundaries of authority and responsibility
What is destructive conflict?
Adhoc and personal
Harmful for organisation
Causes alienation between groups
Can be demoralising
What are some conflict-handling strategies?
Competing
Avoiding
Collaborating
Accomodating
Compromising
How do we manage conflict?
Conflict stimulation and orchestration - encourges conflict to generate new ideas
Conflict suppression - avoidance of recognition that a conflict situation exists
Conflict reduction - building on areas of agreement
Conflict resolution - Eliminate the root cause of conflict
