Chapter 7 - Conflict management. This chapter focuses on the important topic of conflict management. Conflict is a natural part of the discussion process. However, conflict can sometimes become so intense that a group’s functioning is damaged. In this chapter we examine sources of conflict, the desirability and undesirability of conflict, types of conflict, and some methods for conflict management. | Conflict Management Conflict Management Glossary Case Study Sources of Conflict Desirability of Conflict Types of Conflict Undesirability of Conflict Game Theory Toward Conflict Management The Systems Approach Glossary Conflict of Feelings—when people’s ideas come into conflict, the participants often begin to have negative feelings toward one another. These conflicts of feelings can damage the group’s functioning. Conflict Grid—a model of conflict management developed by Robert Blake and Jane Srygley Mouton. It is a framework for developing conflict management skills. Glossary Conflict of Ideas—many ideas are generated in group discussions. Sometimes different people’s ideas may conflict. It is important to remember that a variety and diversity of ideas is usually desirable in the process of problem solving. Conflict Management—the ability to manage conflict so that there is a healthy conflict of ideas without the unhealthy conflict of feelings. Case Study Conflict in the Shipping Department 1. What would you have done if you had been Beth in this case? 2. How realistic does this case seem based on your experience? 3. What would you have done differently if you had been Beth’s supervisor? 4. Are there any other suggestions or recommendations that you have for instances like this that happen at work? 5. What material in this chapter can help prepare you for dealing with such instances? Sources of Conflict Conflict exists whenever incompatible activities occur. 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. Desirability of Conflict Many writers believe that conflict in a group is desirable. Types of Conflict Conflict of ideas Dooley and Fryxell (1999) found that conflict of ideas at the early stage of decision making (idea formulation) was desirable. That same conflict sometimes caused | Conflict Management Conflict Management Glossary Case Study Sources of Conflict Desirability of Conflict Types of Conflict Undesirability of Conflict Game Theory Toward Conflict Management The Systems Approach Glossary Conflict of Feelings—when people’s ideas come into conflict, the participants often begin to have negative feelings toward one another. These conflicts of feelings can damage the group’s functioning. Conflict Grid—a model of conflict management developed by Robert Blake and Jane Srygley Mouton. It is a framework for developing conflict management skills. Glossary Conflict of Ideas—many ideas are generated in group discussions. Sometimes different people’s ideas may conflict. It is important to remember that a variety and diversity of ideas is usually desirable in the process of problem solving. Conflict Management—the ability to manage conflict so that there is a healthy conflict of ideas without the unhealthy conflict of feelings. Case Study Conflict in the Shipping .
