a. Causes of Conflict:

1. Resource Scarcity: Limited resources such as budget, equipment, or manpower can lead to conflicts when multiple departments or individuals compete for the same resources.
2. Personality Differences: Conflicts can arise when employees have different personal styles or approaches to tasks, leading to disagreements.
3. Goal Incompatibility: Conflicting goals between departments or individuals, such as when the goals of one department hinder the objectives of another.
4. Unclear Job Roles: Lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities can result in employees stepping into each other’s tasks, causing friction.
5. Communication Problems: Poor communication or misunderstandings between team members or departments can lead to conflicts.
6. Power Struggles: Competition for authority or leadership positions within the organization can generate conflict.

Characteristics of Conflict:

1. Tension: Conflict often creates tension between individuals or groups within the organization.
2. Disruption: Conflicts can lead to a breakdown in communication or collaboration, disrupting normal workflow.
3. Resistance: Individuals or groups may resist decisions or instructions from others, leading to a standoff.
4. Emotional Responses: Conflicts often invoke emotional responses such as anger, frustration, or anxiety.