CONFLICT IN ORGANIZATIONS

Presenter: Jidhun Mathew

WHAT IS CONFLICT? A process that begins when one

party perceives another party has or is about to negatively affect something the first party cares about.

A state of opposition between ideas, interests, etc.

Conflicts can arise due to incompatibility of goals, differences over interpretation of facts, disagreements based on behavioural expectations, etc.

TYPES OF CONFLICT

An overlook of organizational conflicts

1) Interpersonal conflict

Conflict between individuals due to differences in their goals or values.

Occurs when a person or group of people frustrates or interferes with another person's efforts at achieving a goal.

People have varied personalities which usually results to incompatible choices and opinions

It is a natural occurrence which can eventually help in personal growth or developing your relationships with others

Coming up with adjustments is necessary for managing this type of conflict

However, when interpersonal conflict gets too destructive, calling in a mediator would help so as to have it resolved

2) Intra-group conflict

Conflict within a group or team

The incompatibilities and misunderstandings among these individuals lead to an intra-group conflict

It arises from interpersonal disagreements or differences in views and ideas

Within a team, conflict can be helpful in coming up with decisions which will eventually allow them to reach their objectives as a team

However, if the degree of conflict disrupts harmony among the members, then some serious guidance from a different party will be needed for it to be settled

3) Intergroup conflict

Conflict between two or more teams, groups or departments

Managers play a key role in resolution of this conflict

Takes place when a misunderstanding arises among different teams within an organization

For instance, the sales department of an organization can come in conflict with the customer support department

This is due to the varied sets of goals and interests of these different groups

In addition, competition and rivalry of resources also contribute for intergroup conflict to arise

4) Inter-organizational conflict

Conflict that arises across organizations

Inter-organizational conflict arises usually when there is high level of competition between two firms

Mergers, takeovers and acquisitions may also result in Inter-organizational conflict

The opposite attitudes and values of two different organizations can lead to high level of inter-organizational conflict

The pricing strategies formulated by enterprises may also cause inter organizational conflicts

A majority of inter organizational conflicts result in the productivity of an organization rather than deterioration in performance

 Some level of inter-organizational conflict is essential for organizations to compete in the market

Inter-organizational conflict must be handled in a positive way in order to make it beneficial to the organization

Organizations must avoid adopting unethical practices to resolve such a conflict

Inter-organizational conflict can be resolved only in few situations. However, due to varied culture, structure and policies existing in different organizations, inter-organizational conflicts remain unresolved most of the times

SOURCES OF CONFLICT Different points of view regarding

the priority objectives

Different points of view regarding the methods used

Perception differences or differences in the value system

Lack of communication or wrong communication

Competition regarding insufficient resources

Difference of power, status and culture

Competition for supremacy

Ambiguity

The activity nature and the presence of tasks

Aggressiveness and stubbornness

CONFLICT RESOLUTION Problem solving

Superordinate goals

Expansion of resources

Avoidance

Smoothing

Compromise

Authoritative command

Altering the human variable

Altering the structural variables

THANK YOU!