MGT3002

Conflict

Con�ict is common in organizations and is usually uncomfortable, which is why when faced with

con�ict a common knee-jerk reaction is avoidance, an attempt to eliminate, or withdrawal. This is of

course the traditional view of organizational con�ict. These days we are learning to accept the fact

that con�icts do and will continue to occur and that organizational effectiveness includes effective management of con�ict. The Human Relations (HR) approach which was developed following the

pioneering Hawthorne studies assumes that con�ict is inevitable and that not all con�ict is necessarily

a problem.

It is common to attribute all kinds of con�ict to "communication problems." This assumption is

probably incorrect. However, communication issues sometimes do result in con�ict. When the manner

of the communication generates resentment, the stage is set for con�ict to appear. Common examples are abusive language, shouting at people, speaking arrogantly, or using a condescending tone and/or

language. However, there are other kinds of communication problems as well.

Sometimes legitimate customer complaints bring manufacturing and sales personnel into con�ict.

Commonly salespeople may attribute the problem to de�ciencies in manufacturing quality and

departure from speci�cations. On the other hand, manufacturing blames sales for promising too much

to the customer in an effort to close a sale.

Personal variables including personality, values, attitudes, personal preferences, and idiosyncrasies are also an important source of con�ict. Of these variables value differences are perhaps the most

important. Prejudices on the basis of gender, race, and ethnic origin are the most obvious examples.

Con�ict is inevitable whenever two or more people interact, whether in the workplace or at home.

Con�ict can occur between two or more individuals, two or more groups, or an individual and a group.

When dealing with con�ict in an organization, it is important to remember to address the issue, not the

people. Types of con�ict that can occur in any organization include unclear de�nitions of role responsibility, con�ict of interest, lack of resources and interpersonal relationships within the

workplace.

Additional Materials

Con�ict (media/week5/SUO_MGT3002%20W5%20L1.pdf?

_&d2lSessionVal=Dh2361TaX5c44Gyjjfk2NJXyF&ou=89692) 