2. Definition
Conflict
is “an
--expressed struggle
--between at least two interdependent
parties
--who perceive incompatible goals, scare
resources, and
--interference from others in achieving
their goals” (Wilmot and Hocker, 1998)
Conflicts exist whenever incompatible
activities occur.
4. Sources of Conflict
Conflicts
may originate from a number of
different sources, including:
Differences in information, beliefs, values,
interests, or desires.
A scarcity of some resource.
Rivalries in which one person or group
competes with another.
5. Desirability of Conflict
Conflict
can be desirable.
Conflict helps eliminate or reduce the
likelihood of groupthink.
A moderate level of conflict across tasks
within a group resulted in increased group
performance while conflict among
personalities resulted in lower group
performance
6. Undesirability of Conflict
Conflicts
can be hard to control once
they have begun.
◦ The trend is toward escalation and
polarization.
◦ When conflict escalates to the point of being
out of control, it almost always yields negative
results.
11. Conflict management
Conflict management is defined as “the
opportunity to improve situations and
strengthen relationships” .
–proactive conflict management
–collaborative conflict management
13. Blake
and Mouton (1970) proposed a
grid that shows various conflict
approaches.
◦ The 1,1 style is the hands-off approach, also
called avoidance.
◦ The 1,9 position, also called accommodation, is
excessively person-oriented.
14. ◦ The 5,5 position represents a willingness to
compromise.
◦ The 9,1 is the bullheaded approach, also
called competing.
◦ The optimum style for reducing conflict is the
9,9 approach, also called collaboration.