Conflict Management - meaning and understanding

 Introduction and Definition:
When seen for what it is, much conflict can be easily handled and turned to constructive ends.
—Wayne Jacobsen

Conflict:

"A struggle to resist or overcome; contest of opposing forces or powers; degree of discomfort, anger, frustration." Because no two individuals have exactly the same expectations and desires, conflict is a natural part of our interactions with others. Conflict is a characteristic of human existence. When conflict is understood, it's easier to find ways to predict it, prevent it, transform it, and resolve it. Conflicts help build relationships.

Causes and Reasons Of A Conflict:
It can also be termed as a perceived breach of faith and trust between individuals. When one puts faith and trust in another, and that confidence is broken, it can create an emotional response that elevates to conflict. Therefore, it is important that the conflict be resolved as soon as possible. Conflict is caused by:
·    Ego issues and problems
·    Underlying stress and tension
·    Personality clashes
·    Acquired Values
·    Lack of effective communication, leading to unclear expectations
·    Goal pursuits
·    Challenging and competitive environment




Outcomes Of Conflict:

In a workplace, a simple disagreement between team members, if unresolved,
·    May escalate into avoidance,
·    Inability to work together,
·    Verbal assaults, and
·     Resentment
In the worst cases, it may also lead to hostility and eventual separation from the organization


Conflict Resolution

·    Prevention
·    Crisis Management
·    Short term settlement
·    Long term solutions
·    Preparing guidelines

Conflict Management Approaches :

For any conflict, following approaches or TKI modes are applicable-

• Accommodating Approach- Goals are on low priority and relationship on high priority, low assertiveness and high cooperativeness and goals are willingly sacrificed to maintain relationships

• Collaborative Approach- Results in win-win for all (each member),Balance between goal achievement and relationship exists (win-win)
• Avoidance Approach- goal priority is low and so is relationship. It gives a temporary solution and issue is unimportant .It results in no winners and no losers.
• Competition Approach- goals are achieved at cost of others and they are less supportive and more assertive.
• Compromising Approach- equal importance to goals and relationship is given and are in-between assertive and responsive (each party wins and loose.