Organizational Conflict Management
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a level of conflict identified in the text?

  • Interpersonal Conflict
  • Interdepartmental Conflict (correct)
  • Intergroup Conflict
  • Inter-organizational Conflict
  • Conflict is always destructive and should be avoided at all costs.

    False (B)

    What is the definition of conflict according to the provided text?

    Conflict is defined as "the interaction of interdependent people who perceive incompatible goals and interference from each other in achieving those goals."

    The _____ conflict management style emphasizes yielding to the other party's concerns to preserve harmony.

    <p>Accommodation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the conflict management style with its corresponding level of assertiveness and cooperativeness:

    <p>Avoidance = Low assertiveness, Low cooperativeness Accommodation = Low assertiveness, High cooperativeness Collaboration = High assertiveness, High cooperativeness Compromise = Moderate assertiveness, Moderate cooperativeness Competition = High assertiveness, Low cooperativeness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which conflict management style is most likely to lead to unresolved tensions and larger conflicts?

    <p>Avoidance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) identifies six common conflict management styles.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the 'Felt Conflict' phase of conflict.

    <p>In the Felt Conflict phase, individuals become emotionally involved in the conflict and start to personalize it. This is when emotions intensify and the conflict becomes more personal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which conflict management style is characterized by a high level of assertiveness and a low level of cooperativeness?

    <p>Competition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Integrative bargaining is a win-lose approach to negotiation.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify two communication strategies that can be used to effectively manage conflict.

    <p>Clear and Open Dialogue, Active Listening</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ approach to managing conflict recognizes the natural occurrence of conflict in diverse organizations and encourages collaboration and employee empowerment.

    <p>Human Resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the organizational approaches to conflict management with their key characteristics.

    <p>Classical Approach = Views conflict as a failure in communication or structure Human Relations Approach = Emphasizes resolution through interpersonal communication and minimizes conflict Human Resources Approach = Encourages conflict resolution through collaboration and employee empowerment Systems Approach = Views conflict as a dynamic process influenced by feedback loops Cultural Approach = Recognizes how organizational culture shapes conflict perception and management Critical Approach = Analyzes conflict in terms of power dynamics and social structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common example of Distributive Bargaining?

    <p>Negotiating a salary increase with your employer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Compromise is the most effective conflict management style for all situations.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the difference between Distributive Bargaining and Integrative Bargaining.

    <p>Distributive Bargaining is a competitive approach where one party gains at the expense of the other. Integrative Bargaining aims for a win-win solution by finding mutually beneficial outcomes that address the needs of both parties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ______ is a neutral facilitator who helps parties resolve disputes through structured discussion.

    <p>Third-Party Mediation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Collaboration as a conflict management style?

    <p>Leads to faster resolutions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Organizational Conflict

    Interaction of interdependent people perceiving incompatible goals.

    Levels of Conflict

    Conflict can occur at interpersonal, intergroup, or inter-organizational levels.

    Interpersonal Conflict

    Conflict between individuals due to personality clashes or misunderstandings.

    Intergroup Conflict

    Conflict between teams or groups with competing interests or objectives.

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    Inter-organizational Conflict

    Conflict that arises between different organizations, usually from competition.

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    Phases of Conflict

    Stages conflict goes through: latent, perceived, felt, manifest, and aftermath.

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    Conflict Management Styles

    Strategies for handling conflict, including avoidance and accommodation.

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    TKI Styles

    Five styles of conflict management: avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise, collaboration.

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    Competition

    High assertiveness, low cooperativeness; pursuing goals at the other's expense.

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    Compromise

    Moderate assertiveness and cooperativeness; both parties give up something.

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    Collaboration

    High assertiveness and cooperativeness; parties work together for a win-win solution.

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    Communication Strategies in Conflict

    Methods to facilitate understanding and resolution during disputes.

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    Active Listening

    Engaging fully to understand perspectives and reduce tension.

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    Distributive Bargaining

    Win-lose negotiation where one party's gain is another's loss.

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    Integrative Bargaining

    Win-win negotiation seeking mutually beneficial outcomes.

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    Classical Approach to Conflict

    Views conflict as a failure of communication; prefers strict hierarchical structures.

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    Human Resources Approach

    Recognizes conflict as a natural outcome of diversity and encourages resolution through collaboration.

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    Cultural Approach to Conflict

    Examines how organizational culture shapes conflict perception and resolution strategies.

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    Study Notes

    Organizational Conflict Management

    • Organizational conflict is inevitable, arising from differing goals, values, and perspectives. It can be either constructive or destructive depending on management.
    • Conflict is defined as the interaction of interdependent people perceiving incompatible goals and interference in achieving them.

    Levels of Conflict

    • Interpersonal Conflict: Between individuals due to personality, competition or misunderstanding.
    • Intergroup Conflict: Between teams, departments or groups with competing interests.
    • Inter-organizational Conflict: Between organizations, often due to market competition or resource allocation.

    Phases of Conflict

    • Latent Conflict: Potential for conflict due to differing needs or values exists.
    • Perceived Conflict: One or more individuals recognise the existence of conflict.
    • Felt Conflict: Emotional involvement intensifies as the conflict becomes personalized.
    • Manifest Conflict: Conflict is expressed verbally or nonverbally.
    • Conflict Aftermath: Outcomes impact future interactions and relationships.

    Conflict Management Styles

    • Styles are based on assertiveness and cooperativeness (Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument).

    • Avoidance: Ignoring or withdrawing; Useful for trivial issues or when emotions need time to cool. Can lead to unresolved tensions.

    • Accommodation: One party yields, maintains harmony; Effective when relationship preservation is key. Can lead to resentment if overused.

    • Competition: One party pursues their goals at the other’s expense. Useful in emergencies or when a strong stance is required. Risks damaging relationships and fostering hostility.

    • Compromise: Each party gives up something, for a mutually acceptable solution; Balances both assertiveness and cooperativeness but may be suboptimal.

    • Collaboration: Parties work together to find a mutually beneficial solution; Ideal for complex issues needing creative problem solving. Requires trust and time.

    Communication and Conflict Resolution

    • Effective communication is crucial in resolving conflicts.

    • Communication Strategies: Clear and open dialogue, active listening and reframing conflict frames are important.

    • Third-party mediation: Neutral facilitators can resolve disputes through structured discussion.

    • Bargaining and Negotiation: Organisations employ bargaining strategies

      • Distributive Bargaining: Win-lose approach (zero-sum game).
      • Integrative Bargaining: Win-win approach, seeking mutually beneficial solutions collaboratively.

    Organizational Approaches to Conflict

    • Classical Approach: Conflict as a communication or structural failure, advocates strict hierarchy and policies.
    • Human Relations Approach: Recognizes conflict as detrimental to harmony, emphasises interpersonal communication for resolution.
    • Human Resources Approach: Conflict as a natural outcome of diversity and promotes collaboration and empowerment.
    • Systems Approach: Views conflict as a dynamic cyclical process influenced by feedback loops and emphasises managing rather than eliminating it.
    • Cultural Approach: How organisational culture shapes conflict perception and management, emphasising shared values and communication norms.
    • Critical Approach: Conflict as a reflection of power dynamics within social structures and systemic inequalities.

    Conclusion

    • Conflict is inevitable but manageable in organisations.
    • Understanding various conflict styles, utilizing effective communication and acknowledging cultural/power dynamics leads to constructive resolution.
    • Viewing conflicts as opportunities for growth fosters a resilient and collaborative workplace.

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    Description

    Explore the dynamics of conflict within organizations with this quiz. Understand the different levels and phases of conflict from interpersonal to inter-organizational contexts. Gain insights into how management can influence whether conflicts become constructive or destructive.

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