Management

Conflict

Conflict Management

Gary Williams

University of Phoenix

Conflict Management

In many situations, employees and managers alike do not know how to deal with conflict and avoid it rather than engaging in a healthy dialogue that can lead to solutions. (Bowes, 2008) In order to understand the term conflict, the team must know the definition. Conflict resolution is a range of processes aimed at alleviating or eliminating sources of conflict.

While any conflict in an organization is a challenge, understanding the nature of the problem, the causes of the conflict and applying effective strategies for resolving conflict is a skill that would benefit everyone. The field of dispute resolution promotes creativity, teamwork, and efficiency. (Masucci, 2009)

Different interests and goals - Whenever there are differing personal interests and a viewpoint about goals and direction, conflict follows. This often occurs among departments or between workers. For instance, a goal for one individual may be speed, while for another the goal is quality. Both are valid, but they conflict. Personal gain is at the top of the list. Personal factors include things such as an individual's self-esteem, their personal goals, values, and needs.

Conflicting personal values - Our core values help to determine what is important to us, such as our way of life, our political learning’s, or religious interactions. (Bowes, 2008) Conflict occurs when values differ among colleagues or they conflict with workplace values to such an extent that you no longer feel comfortable. As a result, cliques of employees develop, power relationships become disrupted, and general teamwork relationships become disjointed.

Interpersonal styles - Each of us has our own personal style that shapes how we view things, and how we interpret what is happening in our world. Some have a broad outlook and are flexible and open to change, while others are narrower in their thinking...