Managing Conflict and Change Research Paper
Managing Conflict and Change
Introduction
Philip Crosby, a quality guru once said that “Change should be a friend. It should happen by plan, not by accident.” in his book Reflections on Quality. We all experience change in our lives over time. Change can be by choice or it can be brought upon us when least expected. Knowing how to react to change effectively is very important. Although with change comes conflicts. “This chapter addresses conflict management by examining the nature of conflict and ways to respond to conflict constructively. The chapter also discusses the role of change in the workplace and how supervisors can implement it. Finally, the chapter considers an aspect of organizational behavior that often affects the management of both conflict and change–organization politics–and describes how supervisors can use politics ethically and effectively.” (Certo, 2008, Page 372)
“Conflict refers to the struggle that results from incompatible or opposing needs, feelings, thought, or demands within a person or between two or more people.” (Cero, 2008, Page 372) There are positive and negative aspects of conflict. Conflict can be very stressful for both parties involved. Conflict can take up a lot of time and therefore make your work day unproductive for periods of time. This is a negative aspect of conflict. Conflict can be an opportunity for change which is a positive aspect. It is important that a supervisor understands the true meaning of conflict. There are four types of conflict: Intrapersonal Conflict, Interpersonal Conflict, Structural Conflict and Strategic Conflict.
What is Intrapersonal Conflict? It is a conflict that occurs solely in the psychological dynamics of the individual’s own mind. So, in simpler terms, it’s a struggle a person has within themselves. I found an interesting article online on conflict management http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/work/corporate-management/corporate-conflict.asp which speaks of
Introduction
Philip Crosby, a quality guru once said that “Change should be a friend. It should happen by plan, not by accident.” in his book Reflections on Quality. We all experience change in our lives over time. Change can be by choice or it can be brought upon us when least expected. Knowing how to react to change effectively is very important. Although with change comes conflicts. “This chapter addresses conflict management by examining the nature of conflict and ways to respond to conflict constructively. The chapter also discusses the role of change in the workplace and how supervisors can implement it. Finally, the chapter considers an aspect of organizational behavior that often affects the management of both conflict and change–organization politics–and describes how supervisors can use politics ethically and effectively.” (Certo, 2008, Page 372)
“Conflict refers to the struggle that results from incompatible or opposing needs, feelings, thought, or demands within a person or between two or more people.” (Cero, 2008, Page 372) There are positive and negative aspects of conflict. Conflict can be very stressful for both parties involved. Conflict can take up a lot of time and therefore make your work day unproductive for periods of time. This is a negative aspect of conflict. Conflict can be an opportunity for change which is a positive aspect. It is important that a supervisor understands the true meaning of conflict. There are four types of conflict: Intrapersonal Conflict, Interpersonal Conflict, Structural Conflict and Strategic Conflict.
What is Intrapersonal Conflict? It is a conflict that occurs solely in the psychological dynamics of the individual’s own mind. So, in simpler terms, it’s a struggle a person has within themselves. I found an interesting article online on conflict management http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/work/corporate-management/corporate-conflict.asp which speaks of
References: Certo, Samuel C. “SUPERVISION Concepts & Skill-Building”, Sixth Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2008, Page 372, Page 376, Page 377, Page 378 http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/work/corporate-management/corporate-conflict.asp (last visited December 3, 2008) DRB Alternatives, Inc http://www.drbalternatives.com/articles/cc2.html (last visited December 3, 2008) Beyond Intractability (last visited December 1, 2008)