7.4 Workplace Conflict
(i)The Reason for Conflict
- family dynamics/upbringing (Term: family baggage)
1. Parents
2. Sibling rivalry
(II) Reducing Conflict
- identify ambiguity (when everyone does not have a clear understanding of the organization's objectives) and overload (highly motivated people take on too much)
- redefine goals of the organization
- define the roles of each member
(III) Conflict Management
- integrator: seeks to hear a variety of opinions and have exchange of info before making decision.
+ve: creativity
-ve: inefficient
- obliger: tends to play down the differences between people while looking for common ground.
+ve: preserve relationship
-ve: can be taken advantage of
- dominator: makes decision in an autocratic manner
+ve: efficient
-ve: poor relationships
- avoider: withdraws from the problem
+ve: let things cool down
-ve: feelings of frustration and lack of trust in leader
- compromiser: Taking info from everyone but giving up something in return
+ve: effective when members have good suggestions
-ve: input may not be fully informed