...An important part of our role as leaders is leading and managing through conflicts. Conflict can arise internally between team members, between a leader and a team member, between two departments, or between two leaders. A conflict can also arise externally between a team member and a customer, between a leader and a customer or between a team member or leader and a supplier or a vendor. Conflicts can have serious consequences including “product delays, increased costs, and dwindling market shares” (Dubrin 2010). Conflict also bars collaboration between departments or between team members. Before we try to resolve conflict, we must first understand conflict. Then, we must consider the five conflict management styles and determine which one to use in the specific situation. We as leaders can also use different approaches to resolving conflicts. This section of the handbook will discuss understanding conflicts, the different conflict management styles, and approaches to use to resolve conflicts. Understanding Conflict We cannot attempt to resolve a conflict until we fully understand conflict. Conflict is a normal and healthy part of relationships. When handled properly, conflicts can actually strength a relationship instead of destroying it. (Segal & Smith 2013) Many different things cause conflicts. Eight common causes of conflict are (Gatlin, Wysocki, & Kepner 2002): 1) Conflicting Needs – In the workplace, these needs could include resources, recognition, or power...
Words: 1840 - Pages: 8
...adversarial and hostile way to resolve a dispute among the members of a learning team. This can be an important advantage where the members have a relationship to preserve. ADR can help them find win-win solutions and achieve their real goals. This, along with all of ADR’s other potential advantages, may increase everyone’s individual overall satisfaction with both the dispute resolution process and the outcome. Disagreements within the team that are subject to the ADR clause are: • Non-participation or absenteeism of a team member. • Not respecting team members to include diversity of the team. • Unethical behavior such as plagiarism. ADR Process All disputes that arise within the learning team that cannot be resolved 24 hours after the dispute will enable the ADR to occur. The dispute must be in reference to members’ disregard for the rules and regulations documented in the learning team charter. Personal conflicts that arise between team members will not initially be subjected to be resolved through ADR. However, in case when members’ personal conflicts within the learning team impacts and disables productivity and efficiency will facilitate the ADR process. There will be two ways of facilitating an ADR in the event of a dispute • Mediation - The have to participate in a mediated negotiation with the... Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Clause for Learning Team can be used to solve personal conflicts within class members...
Words: 2213 - Pages: 9
...Suppressed conflict and why are they not addressed: According to the author, if there is a conflict between one or more parties and one of the parties is management, who is not willing to convey the problem or resolve the conflict. Such kinds of conflicts are suppressed conflicts. Few reasons for not addressing may be due to avoidance, tolerance, Employees fear of escalating conflict, Employee thinks that there may not be any change and they also fear of reactions from their manager. In Case Study "Cape Trafalgar" parties involved in the conflict are fishermen and two companies willing to build huge windmills at the sea shore. Suppressed conflict is on construction of windmills. These companies never involved in discussion or considered the concerns of fishermen and when fishermen approached many officials to express their concerns, they didn’t communicate back to them. Manuel Bustos is one of the officials for windmill production, he never resolved the basic issues of fishermen and he stated to his group to influence the fishermen by telling benefit of the project. In our case fishermen are ready, but government and wind organizations are still discussing and not cooperative to surface conflict. Problems occur if such situations are ignored: If the situations are ignored, it may turn even worse and employees refuse to work, poor coordination and integration. Employees become demotivated and in turn loss to the company since cost factor increases with these situations,...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
...Conflict Resolution For every employed individual amongst society the workplace is a breeding ground for conflict. However, there are individuals within the workplace that have developed certain methods to minimize conflict. Whatever method used; communication seems to be the common variable in any successful attempt of minimizing conflict. Joe Phelps, CEO of the Phelps Group has a unique method that has proven effective within his workplace. The Phelps Group has a no rules policy contingent upon the belief that they hire adults who don’t need a set of rules (“Conflict Resolution in the Workplace,” 2013). The no rules policy is an interesting approach to conflict resolution and peacekeeping in the workplace. One may think that this would only create chaos within the workplace, not peace. However, Phelps’ no rules policy is contingent upon directly approaching the individual whom conflict has arisen from and deal with the matter in an adult like manner. If the first method doesn’t resolve conflict the individual is to approach two other coworkers familiar with both in conflict to resolve the matter. If both methods have proven ineffective the last resort is to call in an outside party to the workplace to resolve the conflict. The reasoning behind this conflict resolution approach is to provide employees with a format for communication when conflict arises. The method is an interesting way to create respect and harmony within the workplace as it creates a formal setting for...
Words: 899 - Pages: 4
...Running head: MANAGING WORKPLACE CONFLICT Managing Workplace Conflict: A Look at Leadership Styles Abstract Leadership styles play a large part in managing workplace conflict. These styles can help or hinder the actual conflict. This paper will look at several different types of leadership styles and discuss how these styles can play a role in resolving workplace conflict. Is there one style that is better than the other? When trying to resolve workplace conflict there are three steps that a leader should implement to successfully resolve the conflict, these steps will be discussed. In order to understand how leadership styles can affect workplace conflict one must first know what conflict is. Conflict is strong disagreement between people, groups, etc., that results in often angry argument or a difference that prevents agreement: disagreement between ideas, feelings, etc. (Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.), 1993). Conflict is not always a bad thing; it can be healthy for an organization to have some conflict. The approach from a leader’s perspective can help or hinder the initial conflict. Conflict is a normal part of everyday life. Just like breathing, conflict is going to happen at some point in your day. Many companies have teams that work closely together and this can be a breeding ground for conflict. When you have groups of people working together you are going to have many different personalities that come into play. Shetach (2012)...
Words: 1966 - Pages: 8
...Conflict Management in the Workplace Introduction Conflict management in the workplace is an issue that every leader, manager, or employee has to deal with at one time or another. The basics of conflict management include improving communication, teamwork, and a systematic approach to solving the disagreement. This paper explores various techniques that can be utilized to manage conflict in the workplace. Workplace Conflict Management Conflict is defined by Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman as “the process in which one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party” (p. 362). Sometimes conflict that be a positive force within an organization, while at other times it is a negative force. An example of conflict as a positive force is that the creation and resolution of conflict may lead the company to constructive problem solving. It may also lead people to search for ways of changing how they do things. The conflict resolution process can ultimately be a stimulus for positive change within an organization (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 364). However, conflict may also have serious negative effects on an organization. For example, conflict may divert efforts from goal attainment or it may deplete resources (particularly time and money) (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 364). Conflict also may negatively affect the psychological well-being of employees and cause stress (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 364)...
Words: 1338 - Pages: 6
...the correct attitude essential to resolving conflict? Anne Frank had a positive attitude and so did her father. Responding to conflicts hard so be sure to have the correct attitude. People best respond to conflict with the correct attitude which is a positive attitude. The people in the book Black Ships Before Troy do not think that keeping a positive attitude can resolve conflict. They think that fighting is the best response but they lost a lot of lives. “ half of them lay slain” (Sutcliff 111), they kill each other so much.They also think that careful planning will get them what they want, but the other side thinks that also. Fighting doesn't resolve conflict. The Diary of Anne Frank and dear miss breed shows how a good attitude can help you survive. People in the Diary of Anne Frank respond well to conflict. Anne responds well, so does her father, ”it’s funny”. The conflict is big yet they can think of other things. Louise managed to find good things about the trip to the Japanese internment camp. She talks about the beauty, “most beautiful scenery” (Dear Miss Breed 19) Anne's father like anne responds well to conflict. Mr frank gave anne a present to make her feel better...
Words: 537 - Pages: 3
...dealing with its fundamental causes ****.[1] Thus, although the particular *** hole dispute might be settled permanently, another similar or related dispute may arise again later if the underlying causes are still there.[2] Conflict Resolution Incompatible interests are not the only things at issue in more severe conflicts. Conflicts last longer and are more deeply rooted than disputes. They tend to arise over non-negotiable issues such as fundamental human needs, intolerable moral bitchy differences, or high-stakes distributional issues regarding essential resources, such as money, water, or land. To truly resolve a conflict, the solution must go beyond just satisfying the parties' interests as in dispute settlement. To end or resolve a long-term conflict, a relatively stable solution that identifies **** and deals with the underlying sources of the conflict must be found. This is a more difficult task than simple dispute settlement, because resolution means going beyond negotiating interests to meet all sides' basic needs, while simultaneously finding a way to respect their underlying values and identities. However, some of the same intervention processes used in dispute settlement (i.e., mediation) are also used to achieve resolution. True conflict resolution requires a...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...Running head: CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE Conflict in the Workplace: Getting the Job Done Yvonne N. Montgomery George Mason University December 19, 2009 Managers spend between 24 to 60 percent of their time dealing with conflict in the workplace (Fiore). Often times, employees are either in conflict with another person, avoiding the conflict of other employees and managers, or recovering from a conflict in the workplace. Disagreements and differences of opinion can escalate into interpersonal conflict when varying ideas exist regarding personal and organizational success. The strong drive for work related achievement in some employees can clash with employees who do not emphasize work-related success in their lives. I recently experienced an interpersonal conflict with a coworker who wants to be the “go-to” person for a lot of administrative tasks, but repeatedly falls short on accurately completing or placing the appropriate level of emphasis on these tasks. As a result, there are often costly mistakes or delays that create additional work for other employees and managers. I attempted to discuss some of the issues to gain some insight on why the problems occur. Based on her feedback, I could make some recommendations to improve how tasks related to the support she provides me are completed. During the discussion, the individual got an attitude and insisted the tasks can be completed the way “she’s always done them” and essentially disregarded everything...
Words: 1662 - Pages: 7
...Communication plays a central role in handling conflict. The word conflict nowadays becomes synonymous with most departments within an organization. It's paramount to remember that there are many strategies we can use in conflict situations, but each of us tends to habitually use some strategies more often than others. Throughout this paper I will discuss my primary conflict management style (Collaborator) down to my lesser preferred style (compromiser, controller, accommodator, and avoider). Conflict is an interactive process between two or more parties that requires effective human interaction. The Conflict Management Strategies we can choose from in situations are as follow: • Controlling - using formal authority or other power that you possess to satisfy your concerns without regard to the concerns of the party that you are in conflict with. • Accommodating - allowing the other party to satisfy their concerns while neglecting your own. • Avoiding - not paying attention to the conflict and not taking any action to resolve it. • Compromising - attempting to resolve a conflict by identifying a solution that is partially satisfactory to both parties, but completely satisfactory to neither. • Collaborating - cooperating with the other party to understand their concerns and expressing your own concerns in an effort to find a mutually and completely satisfactory solution (win-win). Research on conflict management styles has found that each of us tends to use one or two of...
Words: 1329 - Pages: 6
...‘How may conflict resolution and conflict management approaches be applied in educational settings?’ Abstract This assignment will review the nature of conflict, from psychologist theories to what form it takes in an educational setting. In order to apply conflict resolution and conflict management effectively in an educational setting, it is important to understand the background disciplines of conflict and theories behind how humans behave in social settings. Comprehending how human behaviour initiates is the key stepping stone to resolving and managing conflict behaviour between humans. We will examine what the concept of conflict is and what shape of from it occurs in everyday life. A brief history of what psychologists have founded in their study of conflict, and human behaviour will lead this examination into conflict in educational settings and how they can arise. It is crucial to look at approaches that can be taken towards conflict in an educational setting in order to resolve and manage them effectively to reduce and minimise all forms of conflict. Introduction There are many different theories used when defining conflict. Morton Deutsch is renowned social psychologists (recognisable through research of this review) who has studied and researched conflict within human relations. According to Deutsch, conflict exists whenever incompatible activities occur (Deutsch, 1969, I25:p7) which is a simple...
Words: 5402 - Pages: 22
...Conclusion Conflict in an organization can increase the overall effectiveness of the task at hand as having multiple perspectives often lead to conflict in an organization. They in any situation is inevitable and unavoidable but the consequences or the results of the conflicts can be determined. Conflict management is the principal that says that all the conflicts cannot necessarily be resolved but it's important to learn how to manage the conflicts arising due to unavoidable situation in order to minimize the effect of non-productive escalation. Also, this process requires skills that facilitate conflict resolution such as self-awareness about the conflict models, communication skills, along with establishing a structure for management of...
Words: 715 - Pages: 3
...PSYCHOLOGY OF CONFLICTS * What is conflict? * This is a state of opposition, disagreement or incompatibility between two or more people or groups of people, which is sometimes characterized by physical violence. * It is also an inevitable part of our life. * TYPES OF CONFLICT A. Approach-approach conflicts * Occur under two conditions: people attracted about equally to goals. But, carrying out one goal means abandoning the other. Example: You have to choose between buying a car or travelling to Europe. On the same night you want to attend a party and a movie. * Research suggest that approach-approach conflict are easier to resolve than any other type. B. Avoidance-avoidance conflict * When a person is simultaneously repelled by two goals and obliged to select one. * This conflict arouse a great deal of anxiety typically, and they are difficult to resolve. Example: you must choose to clean your room or do the dishes. * Research shows that as organism approach an unattractive choice, it becomes more repellent. C. Single approach-approach conflict * When a person is attracted to and repelled by one goal. Example: An otherwise appealing career may require a lot of education. A luxurious car is costly. Should I have the dentist take care of my cavity? * These conflicts also are difficult to resolve and generates much anxiety. D. Double approach-avoidance conflict * Have two goals, each with good and bad...
Words: 429 - Pages: 2
...Conflict Resolution Techniques to Address a Specific Departmental Issue Between a Supervisor and an Employee Conflict Resolution Techniques to Address a Specific Departmental Issue Between a Supervisor and an Employee My critical thinking paper will focus on the following, delegation, conflict resolution, and motivation. I discuss and explain my experiences and others at my organization of employment throughout my paper. Leadership is necessary to my organization, but has room for improvement. Due to the numerous employees and managers there are many different personalities that must interact. Many managers delegate task and jobs to an employee the task must be properly identified for achievement. Once the job is delegated to an employee, First off the right employee must be chosen for the job. Precise directions must be delegated to the employee. Throughout the process, progress of assignment must be monitored, follow up checks should be made to determine how well the job is coming along, and positive feedback should be given in order to achieve the best outcome possible. Managing employees is a tough task and challenge that should always be taken seriously. An effective delegator should have the skills and ability to clearly describe the position within an organization. A strong and effective delegator is the most powerful management and leadership skills a manager can have. Having the ability to delegate effectively will certainly get the...
Words: 1234 - Pages: 5
...Conflict between staff members and ways how to resolve it: A. Sue Burnett, President - When I have a conflict between staff members, I get both of the staffers in the same room with me so that I can hear both sides fairly. It is interesting how someone’s story changes when the other side is sitting beside them. When you are listening to both sides, you may need to make a clear? Cut decision and then explain the reasons for your decision. Too many bosses have a fear of confrontation and they don’t want to alienate a coworker; therefore, they say, “I’ll let you know my decision” and never get back to them. Or they say, “Work it out between you.” If they could have worked it out, there wouldn’t be a conflict. A. Debbie D’Ambrosio, VP and Risk Manager - When there is a conflict between employees, the main thing is to let each person have their say. Many times a person wants to voice their concern or opinion. As a manager, you need to be that sounding board without alienating either side. As the mediator and manager, you may need to bring the focus back to what is important to the company. Many times the goal of the company is forgotten because of the conflict. Once that is brought back to the focus, then it may be easier to resolve what has caused the problem. A. Edna Hardin, District Manager - Conflict between staff members needs to be addressed immediately before it affects the whole team. The staff members should meet and discuss their differences in a polite and non-confrontational...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
