Conflict Management

Conflict
A state of incompatibility of ideas between two or more parties or individuals.

Communication and Conflict Management

y Misunderstandings and conflict have

existed since time began

y Skillful management of our

communication efforts can bring about a positive outcome

Conflict Management
Conflict management is the practice of identifying and handling conflict in a sensible, fair and efficient manner. It involves implementing strategies to limit the negative aspects of conflict and to increase the positive aspects of conflict at a level equal to or higher than where the conflict is taking place Furthermore, the aim of conflict management is to enhance learning and group outcomes .

General causes of conflicts

 Scarcity of resources (finance,      

equipment, facilities, etc) Different attitudes, values or perceptions. disagreements about needs, goals, priorities and interests Poor communication poor or inadequate organizational structure lack of teamwork lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities

Modes of Conflict Management

y Competition y Accommodation y Compromise y Collaboration y Cooperation

Competition
Plus y The winner is clear y Winners usually experience gains Minus y Establishes the battleground for the next conflict y May cause worthy competitors to withdraw or leave the organization

Accommodation
Plus y Curtails conflict situation y Enhances ego of the other Minus y Sometimes establishes a precedence y Does not fully engage participants

Compromise
Plus y Shows good will y Establishes friendship Minus y No one gets what they want y May feel like a dead end

Collaboration
Plus y Everyone wins y Creates good feelings Minus y Hard to achieve since no one knows how y Often confusing since players can win something they didn t know they wanted

Managing Conflict
In situations of crisis and potential conflict always remember

We need to:

Effects of conflict in organizations

y Stress y Staff turnover y De-motivation y Non-productivity

How to prevent conflicts in professionals

       

Frequent meeting of your team Allow your team to express openly Sharing objectives Having a clear and detailed job description Distributing task fairly Never criticize team members publicly Always be fair and just with your team Being a role model