Conflict in the Workplace
Workplace conflict is a specific type conflict that occurs in the workplace. Conflict can arise anywhere, anytime, by any given person. Workplaces are already stressful enough before conflict contributes to its share of stress. Long hours, hierarchical structure of the organization and unrealistic expectations are just a few of a dozen of factors that help shape the conflict that arises in the workplace.
There are many different types of conflict that occur in the workplace. The five most common are as follows: 1. Interdependence Conflict: A person relies on someone else’s co-operation, output, or input in order for them to get their job done. Ex: Jacob, a salesperson, is always late inputting monthly sales figures, which causes Cynthia, the accountant, to be lat with her reports. 2. Differences in Style: People’s preferred way for completing a job. Whether they’re task oriented (one who just wants to get the work done quickly; “quantity over quality”) or people oriented-one who’s more concerned that everyone has a say in how the work get done rather than just getting it done fast. People oriented tend to take time to make decisions-choosing the most effective and efficient option. 3. Difference in Background/Gender: Conflicts can arise between people because of differences in educational backgrounds, personal experiences, ethnic heritage, gender, and political preferences. 4. Differences in Leadership: Leaders also have different styles. One leader may be more open and inclusive while another may be more directive and stern. Constant change in leaders is not a good thing for employees because they can become confused about which leadership style they should follow and which ones to rebel against. 5. Personality Clashes: This is by far the most challenging and most frequent of the five. These types of conflict are often fueled by emotion and perceptions about somebody else’s motives and character. For example, Butch, the team leader, jumps on
There are many different types of conflict that occur in the workplace. The five most common are as follows: 1. Interdependence Conflict: A person relies on someone else’s co-operation, output, or input in order for them to get their job done. Ex: Jacob, a salesperson, is always late inputting monthly sales figures, which causes Cynthia, the accountant, to be lat with her reports. 2. Differences in Style: People’s preferred way for completing a job. Whether they’re task oriented (one who just wants to get the work done quickly; “quantity over quality”) or people oriented-one who’s more concerned that everyone has a say in how the work get done rather than just getting it done fast. People oriented tend to take time to make decisions-choosing the most effective and efficient option. 3. Difference in Background/Gender: Conflicts can arise between people because of differences in educational backgrounds, personal experiences, ethnic heritage, gender, and political preferences. 4. Differences in Leadership: Leaders also have different styles. One leader may be more open and inclusive while another may be more directive and stern. Constant change in leaders is not a good thing for employees because they can become confused about which leadership style they should follow and which ones to rebel against. 5. Personality Clashes: This is by far the most challenging and most frequent of the five. These types of conflict are often fueled by emotion and perceptions about somebody else’s motives and character. For example, Butch, the team leader, jumps on
References: * Resolving Conflicts at Work ; 3rd Edition * www.google.com