Conflict Management Flashcards
Synergy
The sum of two or more people acting together is greater than the sum of one individual
Good communication results in:
- Fewer misunderstandings
2. Ability to nip problem in the bud
Conflict may arise from ALLOCATION OF WORKLOAD such as:
- Role overload: when one member of the team takes on more than they can cope with
- Role conflict: occurs when more than one member wants to play a certain role
- Role ambiguity: occurs when there is a lack of clarity between the roles that members are expected to play
Conflict
Negative differences of opinion/emotions people experience due to a dispute over a particular issue
Functional conflict vs dysfunctional conflict
- Non- aggressive and stimulates creativity
2. Aggressive, discourages creativity
Advantages of functional conflict
It may:
- create an awareness of a problem
- stimulate creative thinking
- help people understand a problem better
- lead to collaboration
- motivate people to get involved
Disadvantages of dysfunctional conflict
- may hamper productivity
- may lower staff morale
- may lead to inappropriate behaviour
- may lead to feelings of frustration and confusion
Reasons for conflict
- change
- inclusivity and cultural diversity
- lack/poor communication
- limited resources
- difference in personalities
- values and ethics
- previously unresolved issues
- inner conflict
What can management do to improve conflict in the business
- managers must be able to deal with change
- people should be open minded regarding cultural diversity
- people should be educated on respecting cultural differences
- clear communication of information
- help employees understand purpose and direction of business
- keep emotions in check
- managers should have a certain level of emotional intelligence
Tools to use in management of conflict
- Stimulating functional conflict - playing devils advocate
- Negotiation - partied concerned sort their own problems
- Smoothing - focus placed in what conflicting parties have in common
- Forcing - person in authority forged solution on party concerned
- Avoidance - pretending the problem does not exist
- Compromise - mutual give and take
Negotiation and compromise are the best
CCMA
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration
Negotiation, conciliation, mediation, arbitration
Con - Arb process
- One step process of conciliation and arbitration
- saves time and unnecessary costs
- compulsory in matters of probation
Workplace forums
- enables workers at all levels to participate in decision-making with management
- primary function is to increase efficiency in the workplace
- discuss everything EXCEPT salaries and wages
Employer organisations
- Trade unions but for employers
- provide members with expertise on labour relations
Assists employers with issues such as: - employment contracts, dispute resolution etc.
Trade unions
MOUTHPIECE OF THEIR MEMBERS
- address issues of services, safety and remuneration
- represent employees in disciplinary issues
- examples: Cosatu, FEDUSA and Nactu
