The fear of the lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverb 9:10)

FACULTY OF COMMERCE

Bachelor of Commerce (Business Management & Entrepreneurship )

COURSE NAME : CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

COURSE TITLE : TYPES OF CONFLICTS

COURSE CODE :

YEAR : 4/2

SUBMITTED TO : MR A PUNDI

SUBMITTED BY : LYNESS EMILY MHONE

DUE DATE : 16TH MARCH 2023

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONFLICT AND THEIR DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES

Conflict is a natural part of human interactions and can arise in various contexts, such as
interpersonal relationships, organizations, communities and countries. According to
Patzak (2012) Conflict refers to a situation where two or more parties have incompatible goals,
needs, or interests and their attempts to address these differences lead to tension, disagreements
and potential escalation. Conflict can manifest in different forms, ranging from verbal
disagreements to physical violence and can have both positive and negative outcomes. While
some conflicts can lead to innovation, growth and improved relationship, others can cause harm,
division and destruction. Therefore it is important to understand the causes, dynamics and
resolution strategies of conflict to manage it effectively and promote positive outcomes.
Conflicts can be classified into four types according to its levels, directions, organization and
planned conflict (Green, 2012). This paper will discuss these four types of conflict and their
differences and similarities.

Each one of us possesses own opinions, ideas and sets of beliefs and have own ways of looking
at things and act according to the way one thinks is proper hence often find ourselves in conflict
in different scenarios, it may involve individuals, groups or struggle within own selves.
Conflicts are therefore classified into four types, namely, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal,
Intra-group and Intergroup. Interpersonal conflict refers to a conflict between two individuals.
This may occur typically due to how people are different from one another. Every person has
own personalities which usually results to incompatible choices and opinions. Secondly,
Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual. It arises within an individual when the motives
or drives are block or when a person faces two different decisions and cannot take the
appropriate decision (Chand, 2010). It is a type of conflict that is psychological involving the
individual’s thoughts, values, principles and emotions. According to Evans (2013) some basic
elements which cause intrapersonal conflict include incompatibility, unacceptability, uncertainty,
frustration, goal conflict and role conflict. Another type of conflict is intra-group conflict, this
type of conflict happens among individuals within a team. The incompatibilities and
misunderstandings among these individuals lead to an intragroup conflict. It arises from
interpersonal disagreements.

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Lastly, intergroup conflicts arise between different groups in an organization
each seeking to accomplish their objectives. Organizations are composed of interlocking
networks of sections, work teams, departments, individuals, departments or groups.
The individuals tend to form various groups when there is a demand for that (Green, 2012). For
example procurement department can come in conflict with accounts department for not
honoring the payment of goods supplied on time. Conflict between line and staff in organizations
are of the most popular conflicts, according to Kinicki & Kreitner, (2008).

Conflicts whether they occur in personal relationships, within organizations or between nations,
they share some similarities and differences. The following are the similarities: The first
similarity is that conflicts involve multiple perspectives; conflicts arise when two or more parties
hold different views or interests. Secondly conflict are emotional intensity, conflict can generate
strong emotions such as anger, frustrations and resentment. Another similarity is
Interdependence, conflicts often arise between parties who are interdependent and rely on each
other to meet their needs. Lastly, whenever there is conflict there is communication breakdown;
conflicts can cause breakdowns in communication as parties may become defensive and
unwilling to listen to the other party’s perspective.

Conflicts may differ in the following reasons: Nature of the conflicts, conflict can be substantive
or emotional. Substantive conflicts arise over tangible issues such as resources, while emotional
conflicts arise from interpersonal issues such as personality clashes. Another difference is level
of severity; conflicts can range from mild disagreements to full-blown confrontations that can
results in physical violence. Conflicts may differ in resolution strategies; different conflicts
require different strategies to resolve them. Conflicts may also differ in power dynamics,
conflicts can occur between parties with equal or unequal power. Conflict between parties with
unequal power can be more difficult to resolve because the weaker party may feel unable to
speak up or assert themselves

In conclusion, conflict share similarities in terms of the multiple perspectives, emotional

intensity, interdependence, and communication breakdown they generate. However, the nature,
severity, resolution strategies and power dynamics of conflicts can differ significantly depending
on the context in which they occur.
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REFERENCES

Chand, S., 2010, Management

Green, Charles (2012). Examples of Four Types of Conflict. Human Resources.

Evans, B. (2013): Management of Conflict

Patzak,R..,(2012)Project Management: Guidelines for the Management of Projects, Project

Portfolios,ProgramsandProject-OrientedCompanies.LindeInternational.

Kinicki,A.,& Kreitner,R.(2008).Organizational Behavior: Key Concepts, Skills & Best Practices.

New York: The McGraw - Hill Companies,