Conflict Management Paper

Conflict Management What is conflict? Free Management Library (1997-2008) states, “conflict is when two or more values, perspectives and opinions are contradictory in nature and haven't been aligned or agreed about yet” (para. 1). Conflicts are inevitable because of one’s individual distinctions; such as religion, political views or even ethics. (Free Management Library, 1997-2008) also proclaims conflict to be needed because it helps to raise and address problems as well as helps people learn how to recognize and benefit from their differences” (para. 1). Consequently, conflict management techniques are needed in the workplace to combat conflicts within organizations. Conflict management in the workplace is a very common issue. Every manager, supervisor, team lead or employee has dealt with conflict at some point or another.
The fundamentals for conflict management are comprised of a systematic approach to solving the disagreement, improving communication and effective teamwork. This paper will describe methods for developing teams that are creative and innovative. As well as, describe how to develop skills for both team members and leaders that will allow them to assimilate into newly formed teams and become effective members quickly and efficiently. Effectively resolving conflicts is executed through conflict management. Learning how to manage conflicts to produce a safe and productive work environment is a very important learned skill. Destructive and constructive conflicts are most common. “Behaviors that escalate a conflict until it seems to have a life of its own are dysfunctional and destructive” (Conflict Management, n.d.). “Destructive conflicts may degenerate sufficiently so the conflict parties forget the substantive issues and transform their purposes to getting even, retaliating or hurting the other person” (Conflict Management, n.d.). “Constructive conflicts appropriately balance the interests of both parties to take full advantage of opportunities for mutual gains” (Conflict Management, n.d.). “Constructive conflicts contain an element of creative adaptation born from a realization that one must know both one's own and the other's interests and goals to be able to find a mutually acceptable outcome” (Conflict Management, n.d.). Proper training will help managers identify different conflict as well as resolve conflicts. Most leaders and managers envision developing a team that is both innovative and creative. In effort to develop each skilled team member and leader methods must be taught and attained. Through the use of goal creating, diversity awareness, training, communicating, team building and evaluating the members can quickly meld into a newly formed team. In addition, there must create a common goal to form a team. The goal must be one that the whole team is donated to. When the team is aware and committed to the mission they can plan a way to get there. The individual skills of each team member will be pieced together to make the big picture. The team is now set for success. Another important factor in developing a well functioning team is diversity education. All members of the team should be educated as well as aware of diversity. According to a study in 2007 “Students reported becoming aware of cultural difference related to gender roles, nonverbal communication, expectations for patient/client care, and informal communication patterns. In addition, students indicated that they became sensitive to differences in traditions in communication styles and established rapport with individuals from different Spanish speaking countries.” (Masin & Tischenko, 2007) Diversity awareness helps to keep the team knowledgeable about other cultures, beliefs, communication styles, and values. Understanding other teammate’s background, moral or even ethics will make working together easier and more tolerable. This type of awareness speeds of productivity due to adaptation. In addition, providing proper training is essential, if goals are to be met. To achieve success, a good team must be well versed in their job. Proper training ensures a path of success and affords team members the opportunity to prepare and understand task. Training not only enhances skills, but lowers the level of stress in the workplace and creates a desirable environment; such an environment will in turn increase productivity. Training must be conducted on a scheduled basis, to maintain the increased knowledge levels which remain parallel to productivity. Another key to success is communication. Each team member should agree on a method and frequency of communication, in an effort to remain effective and efficient. In a hectic work environment, maintaining a fluid line of communication is imperative; having an uninterrupted and effective means of sharing information and ideas, will undoubtedly reveal its worth once the goal is accomplished. In conclusion, teams are not set to perform properly from day one. The development of an effective group of individuals, who are willing to implement the tools acquired during regular training, is not a simple task. Focusing solely on the task placed before hand, will play a major role in how the team performs individually, and as a whole.

References:
Conflict Management (n.d.). The Nature of Conflict. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.cios.org/encyclopedia/conflict/Cnature3_destructive.htmFree Management
Library (1997-2008). Basics of Conflict Management. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.managementhelp.org/intrpsnl/basics.htm
Masin, H., & Tischenko, A. (2007, December). Professionalism, attitudes, beliefs and transformation of the learning experience: cross-cultural implications for developing a Spanish elective for non--Spanish-speaking physical therapist students. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 21(3), 40-46. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.