Will Good Management Eliminate Conflict in the Workplace?

A conflict free organisation is one which does not have “…the total range of behaviour and attitudes that express opposition and divergent orientations between industrial owners and managers on the one hand and working people and their organisations on the other hand.” (Fox 1966 p. 8). In attempting to achieve their primary goal of coordinating productive resources to accomplish organisational objectives, management at times produces conflict (Deery 2001 p. 173). This is especially apparent when the adopted management style is characterised by good management, that is, the style of management which most effectively satisfies organisational objectives such as profit maximisation-arguably the most important goal (Dufty & Fells 1989 pp. 62-65) (Peetz 2006 pp. 12-15). It is argued in this essay that good management will not lead to a conflict free workplace. This is initially asserted by observing conflict’s inherent existence in the employment relationship, as suggested by the different frameworks. An examination of the direct relationship which exists between management strategies characterised by good management and the potential for conflict in the workplace will also assist in emphasising this point, as to will acknowledging the necessary role of other industrial relations actors in reducing conflict.

According to the pluralist framework, conflict is inherent to the employment relationship irrespective of good management; however, this conflict is manageable. It is suggested that conflict can be the manifestation of the dual nature of work, where the different parties which comprise the employment relationship engage in work with often conflicting objectives. This is highlighted by employees aiming to maximise remuneration while minimising their effort, while employers endeavour to increase profits and productivity. Similarly the framework also asserts that the indeterminate nature of work can potentially trigger conflict, in that remuneration is often...