Conflict Managemeent

Team Building Exercise for Conflict Management

Abstract

Conflict is something that is inevitable in every organization. They key to having less conflict is having a management team that encourages team building conflict management exercises. These exercises enable team members to have a better understanding of what conflict is and how to work through it in a positive manner. Every person is different and has their own individual thoughts, ideas, and actions. Conflict arrives when someone feels that their thoughts, ideas, or actions are being threatened. Although conflict will still occur, by teaching employees why conflict arises and how to trust each other and work with each other, conflict resolution will be much easier.

Team Building Exercise for Conflict Management

Conflict is inevitable in any organization; the key is knowing how to manage the conflict. Managers are not the only ones who should know how to manage conflict every employee should have a complete understanding how to manage a conflict that comes their way. If employees are able to manage conflict the workplace can be a much more peaceful place. There are many team building exercises that can help managers teach their employees about conflict management. By using team building conflict management exercise managers can create a more peaceful and cohesive environment.

Before conflict can be managed, there are must be an understanding of what conflict is. According to Kinicki and Kreitner (2009), conflict is when “one party perceives its interests are being opposed or set back by another party” (p. 275). There are two forms of conflict, functional and dysfunctional conflict. Functional conflict, as described by Kinicki and Kreitner (2009), “serves organization’s interests” (p. 276). Whereas Kinicki and Kreitner (2009) describe dysfunctional conflict as “threatens organization’s interests.” (p. 276). A conflict can either be taken care of in a functional manner or can turn...