Workplace Conflict

CONFLICT
Organizational Behaviour
Dr. Paul Balwant
What is Conflict?
A process in which one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or
negatively affected by another party.
Transitions in Conflict
There are various views of conflict including:
Traditional View
Human Relations View
Interactionist View
Conflict is not always
bad. Certain types of
conflict can lead to positive
outcomes in the
workplace.
Popular and Emerging Views of Conflict
1. Optimal Conflict
2. Task and Relationship Conflict
In This Booklet
Define Conflict
Views of Conflict
The Conflict Process
Handling Conflict
Structural Approaches
to Conflict Management
Click on the above video for details on conflict and views of conflict

Conflict at
L’Oréal
At L’Oréal Canada, certain managers
must manage communications
between subsidiaries and headquarters.
Towards the end of the article, you
can read how cross-cultural differences
in communication can be a
source of conflict when dealing
with coworkers from different cultures.
Click the above video for details on the conflict process
The Conflict Process
Conflict typically occurs through a series of stages as shown in the above video.
These stages are as follows:
Click the photo below to read the
article. In particular, read the last
point in the article titled “Bridging
differences between subsidiaries
and headquarters”.
Sources of Conflict
The conflict process begins with a source/s of conflict. Here, one or both parties
perceive that conflict exists.
Conflict Perceptions and Emotions
Perceptions of conflict interact with emotions experienced.
Manifest Conflict
Emotions then lead to conflict episodes, i.e., conflict manifests into behaviours.
Click the photo for the article
Conflict Escalation Cycle
Conflict typically occurs in a series of episodes.
Conflict Outcomes
Outcomes of conflict can be positive or negative.

Conflict
Management
Styles
Should you use a yielding
(accommodating) style or
be more forceful
(competing)?
Perhaps the situation
calls for a compromise or
maybe problem-solving is
an option?
Are there any situations
when we should just
avoid conflict altogether?
Click the two videos on
the right to learn more
about conflict management
styles.
Click the above video for details on handling conflict
Handling Conflict
People respond to conflict in different ways. Click HERE to determine your preferred
conflict management style. While we all tend to prefer cetain conflict management
styles, each style can be useful depending on the situation. In addition to
the above video, click below to see more on conflict management styles.

Structural Approaches to Conflict
Management
Managers can use various approaches to manage conflict. Some approaches
include:
Emphasize Superordinate Goals
Common objectives may reduce goal incompatibility.
Improve Communication/Understanding
Use dialogue and see the Johari window.
Reduce Differentiation and Interdependence
Move employees around. Combine jobs and create buffers.
Increase Resources
Increase amount of available resources.
Clarify Rules and Procedures
Establish rules and clarify individuals’ roles and responsibilities.
Click the above video for details on the conflict process
Learn More at
ScholarlyNerd.com
Dr. Paul Balwant
Lecturer
The University of the West Indies