Conflict Management

Definition of Conflict What is conflict?? Causes of Conflict Types of Conflict Different views on conflict What is Conflict Management? Ways of managing Conflict Tips for handling organizational conflicts Conclusion

Content

Conflict is an inevitable & unavoidable part of our everyday Professional & Personal lives.

Conflict is when two or more values, perspectives & opinions are contradictory in nature & haven’t been aligned or agreed.

Definition of Conflict:

A disagreement between people that may be the result of different:◦ Ideas◦ Perspectives◦ Priorities◦ Preferences◦ Beliefs◦ Values◦ Goals◦ Organization structures

What is Conflict??

Causes of Conflict:

Conflict is a problem when:◦ It hampers productivity & increases tension◦ Lowers morale◦ Causes more & continued conflicts◦ Causes inappropriate behavior◦ Increases absenteeism

Conflict is constructive when:◦ Opens up issues of importance resulting in issue

clarification◦ Helps build cohesiveness as people learn more about

each other◦ Causes reassessment by allowing for examination of

procedures or actions◦ Increases individual involvement

Interpersonal Intra group Inter- group Inter organizational

Each of the conflict types builds upon one another to create the bigger problem.

Types of Conflict

Traditional view of conflict:◦ The belief that all conflict is harmful & must be

avoided

Human Relations View of Conflict:◦ The belief that conflict is a natural & inevitable

outcome in any group

Interactionist View of conflict:The belief that conflict is not only a positive force in a group but that is absolutely necessary for a group to perform effectively.

Different views on conflict management

Conflict Resolution Styles

Forcing conflict style: person attempts to resolve conflict by using aggressive behavior

Avoiding: person attempts to passively ignore the conflict rather than solve it

Accommodating: person attempts to resolve the conflict by passively giving in to the other party

Compromising: person attempts to resolve the conflict through assertive give & take concessions

Collaborating: person attempts to jointly resolve the conflict with the best solution agreeable to all parties

What is Conflict management?

Lose – lose conflict Management by avoidance or accommodation

Win – lose conflict◦ Management by competition & compromise

Win – Win conflict◦ Management by collaboration

Ways of managing conflict

1. Diagnose• Clarify critical issues• Identify stakeholders• Assess sources of

conflict

2. Plan• Recognize your styles• Minimize blocks• Plan your strategy

4. Implement• Carry out the plan• Evaluate outcomes• Follow up

3. Prepare• Problem solve• Practice

4 Step Method of dealing with conflicts

Have a positive attitude Building good relationships Not letting small problems escalate, deal with them as

they arise Respect individual, group differences Have an open ear to others perspective on conflict

solution Be aware of your body language – what are you signaling Acknowledge feelings before focusing on facts Focus on solving problems, not changing people If you can’t resolve the problem, turn to someone who

can help Adapt your style according to situation & people involved Give constructive critic/feedback

Tips for managing workplace conflict

Conflict Between people is a Fact of Life. Conflicts occur at all levels of interaction. Thus, conflict is a critical event in the course of a

relationship. Whether a relationship is healthy or unhealthy

depends not so much on the number of conflicts between participants but on how the conflicts are resolved.

Reality of Conflict & Effective Communication