BELL & HART'S 8 CAUSES OF CONFLICT

Psychologists Art Bell and Brett Hart conducted a study identifying the root causes of conflict (particularly in the
workplace) aiming to better understand and hopefully come up with a successful strategy to resolve conflict as well as
ease tensions among concerned parties (1990).

1. Conflicting resources.
Members of any organization rely on resources such as office supplies, work spaces, funds, etcetera to perform
effectively. However, it is not possible that these resources are available whenever one wishes. Arguments could arise as
to who should be using the group's resources at any given time.

2. Conflicting styles.
Each person has his or her own working style. However, when it comes to working with a team, these differences
could become a problem and adversely affect productivity.

3. Conflicting perspectives.
Different understanding or interpretation of group goals often lead to conflict.

4. Conflicting goals.
A group that does not set clear targets and does not make sure that every member of the group is on the level
about the team's goal will result in confusion and misunderstanding among its members.

5. Conflicting pressures.
Conflicting pressures is similar to conflicting goals except that conflicting pressures exist over a short span of
time. A person pressured to complete different tasks at about the same time or receiving opposing instructions from two
people of authority are examples of conflicting pressures.

6. Conflicting roles.
Team members who feel resentful for doing a job they are not usually responsible for is an example of a conflict
caused by conflicting roles.
Feelings of resentment could arise either due to the perceived notion that the task is not appropriate for him or her or a
member of the team feels someone else deserves the job other than the one to whom the job was given to.

7. Different personal values.

Personal values shape a person's behavior. Often enough, conflict arise when individuals disagree on certain
actions because it would compromise personal values.

8. Unpredictable policies.
Team rules and guidelines that are not communicated well could lead to confusion and misunderstanding among
its members.

WHAT HINDERS THE PERSON TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS?

It is a sad fact that not all conflict gets resolved. However, there are techniques that can be utilized to effectively
manage conflict where everyone feels their side of the story was heard and that they were treated respectfully. Experts
may prescribe different methods of conflict resolution, but there are six common conflict resolution barriers that all these
methods encounter. Conflict resolution barriers inhibit a person's ability to resolve conflict effectively.