Question Tag: Workplace conflict

a) Explanation of Conflict A conflict occurs when a person or group starts to think that another is preventing something which that person or group considers important and valuable. In the workplace, two groups may be in conflict when one group believes that the other is trying to prevent it from achieving its goals or aims. (2 marks)

b) Characteristics of a Workplace Conflict

• There may be unfriendly rivalries between groups, departments or individuals.
• Individuals or groups which are in conflict are not likely to communicate openly and honestly with each other.
• There will exist several disputes over rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups.
• Individuals and/or groups might be unwilling to listen to ideas from others with whom they are in conflict; refusal to co-operate.
• The rivals or opponents will often level accusations of wrongful treatment or improper behaviour.
• Individuals or groups which are unable to perform their tasks may feel frustrated and lay the blame on the ‘enemy’.
• There may be inter-departmental disputes and arguments.

(Any 6 points @ 2 marks each = 12 marks)

c) Measures to Manage a Conflict

• A manager whose subordinates are in conflict may ignore the conflict and pretend it does not exist, especially if it is about an insignificant matter and is expected to last for only a while.
• The manager may impose a solution on the feuding parties after hearing from them.
• Another way to manage the conflict is for the manager to move a particular employee to a different position or department if the problem in dispute is seen to be the person.
• The manager may encourage the conflicting parties to talk through their differences and try to change their attitudes towards each other.