Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Management
Learning Objectives
Explain why conflict arises, and identify the types and sources of
conflict in organizations.
Describe conflict management strategies that managers can use to
resolve conflict effectively.
Understand the nature of negotiation and why integrative bargaining is
more effective than distributive negotiation.
17-2
Learning Objectives
Describe ways in which managers can promote integrative bargaining in
organizations
Explain why managers need to be attuned to organizational politics,
and describe the political strategies that managers can use to become
politically skilled.
17-3
a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
synonyms:
dispute, quarrel, squabble, disagreement, difference of opinion, dissension
clash, incompatibility, incongruity, lack of
congruence, friction, opposition, mismatch, variance, difference, divergence, contra
diction, inconsistency, discrepancy, divided loyalties
Examples
An arctic adventurer struggles to survive hunger and cold.
A brother and sister fight over control of the television.
Causes
Causes
•• Poor
Poorcommunication
communication
•• Lack
Lackofofopenness
openness
•• Failure
Failuretotorespond
respondtoto
employee
employeeneeds
needs
Transitions
Transitions in
in Conflict
Conflict Thought
Thought (cont’d)
(cont’d)
Human Relations View of Conflict
The belief that conflict is a natural and inevitable outcome
in any group
Dysfunctional Conflict
Conflict that hinders group
performance
(Negative)
“Conflict arises when a difference
between two (or more) people
necessitates change in at least one
person in order for their engagement to
continue and develop. The differences
cannot coexist without some
adjustment”.
- Jordan (Courage in
connection:
Conflict, compassion,
creativity)
Conflict: Where does it come from?
Goals
Personality conflicts
Scarce resources
Styles
Values
The Positive Side of Conflict
Conflict can teach you to make the most of each situation and use it as a
learning opportunity or a leadership opportunity.
Disagreement
Parties involved
Perceived Threat
Needs, interests, concern
CONFLICT MUST BE PERCEIVED TO EXIST!
Objective Condition
Conflict No Conflict
Individual Conflict
Interpersonal Conflict
Intergroup Organisational Conflicts
Sources of Interpersonal
Conflict
Personality • Not everyone feels, thinks or acts alike.
Clashes
more
Levels of Conflict
LEVEL2: Disagreement
LEVEL3: Contest
LEVEL5:
Intractable
Common Sources of Conflict
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Figure 17.3
Sources of Conflict
Different Goals and Time Horizons
Different groups have differing goals and focus.
Overlapping Authority
Two or more managers claim authority for the same activities which leads
to conflict between the managers and workers.
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Sources of Conflict
Task Interdependencies
One member of a group or a group fails to finish a task that another member
or group depends on, causing the waiting worker or group to fall behind.
Different Evaluation or Reward Systems
A group is rewarded for achieving a goal, but another interdependent group
is rewarded for achieving a goal that conflicts with the first group.
17-56
Sources of Conflict
Scarce Resources
Managers can come into conflict over the allocation of scare resources.
Status Inconsistencies
Some individuals and groups have a
higher organizational status than
others, leading to conflict with lower
status groups.
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FORMS OF CONFLICT
Interpersonal conflict
Intergroup conflict
Types of Conflict
17-68
Figure 17.2
Types of Conflict
Interpersonal Conflict
Conflict between individuals due to differences in their goals or values.
Intragroup Conflict
Conflict within a
group or team.
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Types of Conflict
Intergroup Conflict
Conflict between two or more teams, groups or departments.
Managers play a key role in resolution of this conflict
Interorganizational Conflict
Conflict that arises across organizations.
17-70
Types
Types of
of Conflict
Conflict
Task Conflict
Conflicts over content and goals
of the work
Relationship Conflict
Conflict based on interpersonal
relationships
Process Conflict
Conflict over how work gets done
Overview of Conflict Types
Examples
Two girls compete for the same role in the school play.
A ninja warrior fights a rival clan to avenge his master's
death.
Person vs. Self
Examples
A young man goes through hard times after losing his
father in a car accident.
An Olympic athlete pushes his performance to the limit
despite his physical disability
Person vs. Society
Examples
A student takes his fight against the school dress code
all the way to the Supreme Court.
A group of students protest in front of a university
known for its unfair and racially motivated admission
practices.
Person vs. Nature
Examples
A castaway washes up on an island and must learn to
survive with the available resources.
A ship captain pursues a great white whale through
stormy seas.
Person vs. Supernatural
Examples
A boy wizard must use his powers to protect his
community from evil monsters.
A group of teenagers sleep in a haunted house and
begin disappearing one by one.
Person vs. Technology
Examples
A group of strangers gets stuck in an elevator.
A teenage boy is pursued by robots from space that
transform into cars.
Example
1-An archeologist attempts to escape a hidden temple overrun by a vampire army.
2-An elderly man struggles to learn how to use his new phone.
3-Two boxers who were formerly friends compete for the championship belt.
4-A young woman fights to gain admittance in an elite prep school that was only for boys.
5-A group of colonists struggle to survive the winter in a strange land
6-A students struggles against the urge to procrastinate and play video games rather than to do his
homework.
1-Person vs. Supernatural
2-Person vs. Technology
3- Person vs. Person
4- Person vs. Society
5- Person vs. Nature
6- Person vs. Self
Effects of
conflicts
1. Positive effects of
conflicts
Triggers the need for
searching for new facts and
solutions.
Improves group
cohesiveness
2. Negative effects of
conflicts
Reduces productivity
Delays the decision-making
process
The
The Conflict
Conflict Process
Process
E X H I B I T 15–1
E X H I B I T 15–1
Stage
Stage I:I: Potential
Potential Opposition
Opposition or
or Incompatibility
Incompatibility
Communication
– Semantic difficulties, misunderstandings, and “noise”
Structure
– Size and specialization of jobs
– Jurisdictional clarity/ambiguity
– Member/goal incompatibility
– Leadership styles (close or participative)
– Reward systems (win-lose)
– Dependence/interdependence of groups
Personal Variables
– Differing individual value systems
– Personality types
Stage
Stage II:
II: Cognition
Cognition and
and Personalization
Personalization
Perceived Conflict Felt Conflict
Awareness by one or Emotional involvement in
more parties of the a conflict creating anxiety,
existence of conditions tenseness, frustration, or
that create opportunities hostility
for conflict to arise
Conflict
ConflictDefinition
Definition
Negative
NegativeEmotions
Emotions Positive
PositiveFeelings
Feelings
Stage
Stage III:
III: Intentions
Intentions
Intentions
Decisions to act in a given way
Cooperativeness
Cooperativeness
•• Attempting
Attemptingtotosatisfy
satisfythe
theother
otherparty’s
party’sconcerns
concerns
Assertiveness
Assertiveness
•• Attempting
Attemptingtotosatisfy
satisfyone’s
one’sown
ownconcerns
concerns
Dimensions
Dimensions of
of Conflict-Handling
Conflict-Handling Intentions
Intentions
Stage
Stage III:
III: Intentions
Intentions (cont’d)
(cont’d)
Competing
A desire to satisfy one’s interests, regardless of the
impact on the other party to the conflict
Collaborating
A situation in which the parties to a conflict each desire to
satisfy fully the concerns of all parties
Avoiding
The desire to withdraw from or suppress a conflict
Stage
Stage III:
III: Intentions
Intentions (cont’d)
(cont’d)
Accommodating
The willingness of one party in a conflict to place the
opponent’s interests above his or her own
Compromising
A situation in which each party to a conflict is willing
to give up something
Stage
Stage IV:
IV: Behavior
Behavior
Conflict Management
The use of resolution and stimulation techniques to
achieve the desired level of conflict
Conflict-Intensity
Conflict-Intensity Continuum
Continuum
What
What is
is aa conflict
conflict management
management style
style and
and
why
why do
do II need
need toto know
know this?
this?
Conflict Management Style: Form of behavior that a
person practices in response to conflict with others
Conflict
ConflictResolution
ResolutionTechniques
Techniques
•• Problem
Problemsolving
solving
•• Superordinate
Superordinategoals
goals
•• Expansion
Expansionofofresources
resources
•• Avoidance
Avoidance
•• Smoothing
Smoothing
•• Compromise
Compromise
•• Authoritative
Authoritativecommand
command
•• Altering
Alteringthe
thehuman
humanvariable
variable
•• Altering
Alteringthe
thestructural
structuralvariables
variables
Conflict
Conflict Management
Management Techniques
Techniques
Conflict
ConflictResolution
ResolutionTechniques
Techniques
•• Communication
Communication
•• Bringing
Bringingininoutsiders
outsiders
•• Restructuring
Restructuringthe
theorganization
organization
•• Appointing
Appointingaadevil’s
devil’sadvocate
advocate
Stage
Stage V:
V: Outcomes
Outcomes
Functional Outcomes from Conflict
– Increased group performance
– Improved quality of decisions
– Stimulation of creativity and innovation
– Encouragement of interest and curiosity
– Provision of a medium for problem-solving
– Creation of an environment for self-evaluation and change
Creating Functional Conflict
– Reward dissent and punish conflict avoiders
Stage
Stage V:
V: Outcomes
Outcomes
Dysfunctional Outcomes from Conflict
– Development of discontent
– Reduced group effectiveness
– Retarded communication
– Reduced group cohesiveness
– Infighting among group members overcomes group goals
The
The Conflict
Conflict Process
Process
The Conflict Process
Stage 1
Potential Opposition
Factors are present that can lead to conflict
Communication
Structure
Personal variables
The Conflict Process
Stage 2
Cognition and Personalization
Awareness of conditions in stage 1
The conditions cause some sort of frustration
STAGE III: INTENTIONS
Assertive
Competing Collaborating
Compromising
Avoiding Accommodating
Unassertive
Uncooperative Cooperative
STAGE IV: BEHAVIOR
Between groups
“we-they” attitudes
Distorted perceptions
Decreased communication
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Stimulation
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Resolving Conflict
Develop superordinate goals
Expanding the supply of critical resources
Clarify existing relationships
Modify existing relationships
Decoupling Mechanisms
Slack resources
Self-contained task
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Resolving Conflict
Power
Challenger disaster
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Conflict Stimulation
Bringing outside individuals into the
group
Altering the organization’s structure
Stimulating competiton
Programmed conflict
Devil’s advocacy
Conflict:
When to call the boss
External issues - almost always
Team performance issues
use strategies for conflict management and attempt to
resolve
if no immediate and sustained improvement, ask the
boss for facilitation assistance
Conflict:
When to call the boss
Avoid the conflict entirely or delay their response instead of voicing concerns
Can create some space in an emotional environment
Not a good long-term strategy
Collaborating
Collaborators are both assertive and cooperative.
Assert own views while also listening to other views and welcoming
differences
Seek a “win-win” outcome
Identify underlying concerns of a conflict
Create room for multiple ideas
Requires time and effort from both parties
Competing
People who approach conflict in a competitive way assert themselves and do not
cooperate while pursuing their own concerns at another’s expense.
Takes on a “win-lose” approach where one person wins and one person loses
Does not rely on cooperation with the other party to reach outcome
May be appropriate for emergencies when time is important
Compromising
Compromisers are moderately assertive and moderately cooperative.
There is no BEST way to handle conflict. Each conflict is different and requires a
different response.
As a society, we teach:
“Two heads are better than one.” (Collaborating)
“Kill your enemies with kindness.” (Accommodating)
“Split the difference.” (Compromising)
“Leave well enough alone.” (Avoiding)
“Might makes right.” (Competing)
Conclusion
Different conflict management styles may be used when faced with different
situations.
Knowing yourself and fully understanding each situation will help you
understand the conflict management style needed.
17-149
Conflict Management Strategies
Compromise
each party is concerned about their goal accomplishment and is willing to
engage in give-and-take exchange to reach a reasonable solution.
Collaboration
parties try to handle the conflict without making concessions by coming up
with a new way to resolve their differences that leaves them both better off.
17-150
Conflict Management Strategies
Accommodation
one party simply gives in to the other party
Avoidance
two parties try to ignore the problem and do nothing to resolve the
disagreement
17-151
Conflict Management Strategies
Competition
each party tries to maximize its own gain and has little interest in
understanding the other’s position
17-152
Strategies Focused on Individuals
Increasing awareness of the sources of conflict
Increasing diversity awareness and skills
Practicing job rotation
Using permanent transfers or dismissals when necessary
17-153
Strategies Focused on the Whole Organization
Changing an organization’s
structure or culture
Altering the source of conflict
17-154
17-155
17-156
Organizational Conflict
Organizational Conflict
The discord that arises when goals, interests or values of different
individuals or groups are
incompatible
and those people
block or thwart
each other’s efforts
to achieve their
objectives.
17-157
Organizational Conflict
Organizational Conflict
Conflict is inevitable given the wide range of goals for the different
stakeholder in the organization.
17-158
The Effect of Conflict on Organization Performance
17-159
Figure 17.1
CONFLICT WITHIN AN ORGANISATION
Group Differences in
Identification Power, Status,
Culture
Conflict
Faulty Faulty
Attribution Communication
Conflict
Competitive
Reward Personal
Systems Characteristics
Costs & Benefits of Conflict
Physiological
Organizational symptoms
Factors
Experienced Psychological
Stress Symptoms
Behavioral
Individual Symptoms
Factors
Stress Factors
Organizational Individual
Demanding Jobs Stressful life events
Competing demands Daily stress
Role ambiguity Personality
Job responsibility
Perception
Isolation
Unpleasant working
conditions
Consequences of Stress
Physiological Symptoms
Headaches, High blood pressure, Heart disease
Psychological Symptoms
Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Callousness
Behavioral Symptoms
Productivity loss
Withdrawal
Managing Stress
Personal approaches
Lifestyle, Physiological, Cognitive
Organizational approaches
Job redesign
Social support
Family friendly policies
Wellness and EAP Programs
Backwards and Forwards.
Summing up. Today we looked at two side
of conflict: the harmful and the beneficial;
causes and ways to manage conflict, how
stress can arise from conflict,
organizational and individual factors in
stress, and its resolution.
Looking ahead:. What pushes organizations
to change, what are the sources of
resistance? Next time.
Negotiation
Negotiation
A process in which two or more parties exchange goods
or services and attempt to agree on the exchange rate
for them.
BATNA
The Best Alternative To a
Negotiated Agreement; the
lowest acceptable value
(outcome) to an individual for
a negotiated agreement
Bargaining Strategies
Distributive Bargaining
Negotiation that seeks to divide up a fixed amount of
resources; a win-lose situation
Integrative Bargaining
Negotiation that seeks one or more settlements that can
create a win-win solution
Distributive versus Integrative
Bargaining
Bargaining Distributive Integrative
Characteristic Bargaining Bargaining
BATNA
The Best Alternative To a
Negotiated Agreement; the
lowest acceptable value
(outcome) to an individual for
a negotiated agreement
Issues in Negotiation
The Role of Mood and Personality Traits in Negotiation
Positive moods positively affect negotiations
Traits do not appear to have a significantly direct effect on the outcomes of either bargaining or
negotiating processes (except extraversion, which is bad for negotiation effectiveness)
Gender Differences in Negotiations
Women negotiate no differently from men, although men apparently negotiate slightly better
outcomes
Men and women with similar power bases use the same negotiating styles
Women’s attitudes toward negotiation and their success as negotiators are less favorable than men’s
Why American Managers Might Have Trouble in
Cross-Cultural Negotiations
Italians, Germans, and French don’t soften up executives with
praise before they criticize. Americans do, and to many
Europeans this seems manipulative. Israelis, accustomed to fast-
paced meetings, have no patience for American small talk.
British executives often complain that their U.S. counterparts
chatter too much. Indian executives are used to interrupting one
another. When Americans listen without asking for clarification or
posing questions, Indians can feel the Americans aren’t paying
attention.
Americans often mix their business and personal lives. They think
nothing, for instance, about asking a colleague a question like,
“How was your weekend?” In many cultures such a question is
seen as intrusive because business and private lives are totally
compartmentalized.
Third-Party Negotiations
Mediator
A neutral third party who facilitates a negotiated
solution by using reasoning, persuasion, and suggestions
for alternatives
Arbitrator
A third party to a negotiation
who has the authority to
dictate an agreement.
Third-Party Negotiations (cont’d)
Conciliator
A trusted third party who provides an informal
communication link between the negotiator and the
opponent
Consultant
An impartial third party, skilled in conflict management,
who attempts to facilitate creative problem solving
through communication and analysis
Use Competition
When goals are important but not worth the effort of potential disruption of
more assertive approaches
When opponents with equal power are committed to mutually exclusive goals
To achieve temporary settlements to complex issues
To arrive at expedient solutions under time pressure
As a backup when collaboration or competition is unsuccessful
Negotiation
Negotiation
Parties to a conflict try to come up with a solution acceptable to themselves by
considering various alternative ways to allocate resources to each other
17-198
Negotiation
Third-party negotiator
an impartial individual with expertise in handling conflicts
helps parties in conflict reach an acceptable solution
17-199
Third-party Negotiators
Mediators
facilitates negotiations but no authority to impose a solution
Arbitrator
can impose what he thinks is a fair solution to a conflict that both parties
are obligated to abide by
17-200
Distributive Negotiation
Distributive negotiation
Parties perceive that they have a “fixed pie” of resources that they need to divide
Take a competitive adversarial stance
See no need to interact in the future
Do not care if their interpersonal relationship is damaged by their competitive
negotiation
17-201
Integrative Bargaining
Integrative bargaining
Parties perceive that they might be able to increase the resource pie by trying to
come up with a creative solution to the conflict
View the conflict as a win-win situation in which both parties can gain
Handled through collaboration or compromise
17-202
Strategies to Encourage
Integrative Bargaining
Emphasizing superordinate goals
goals that both parties agree to regardless of the source of their conflict
Focusing on the problem, not the people
Focusing on interests, not demands
Creating new options for joint gain
Focusing on what is fair
17-203
Organizational Politics
Organizational Politics
The activities managers engage in to increase their power and to use power
effectively to achieve their goals or overcome resistance or opposition.
17-204
Organizational Politics
Political strategies
Specific tactics used to increase power and use it effectively to influence
and gain the support of other people while overcoming resistance
17-205
The Importance of Organizational
Politics Politics
Can be viewed negatively when managers act in self-interested ways for
their own benefit.
Is also a positive force that can bring about needed change when political
activity allows a manager to gain support for needed changes that will
advance the organization.
17-206
Political
Strategies
for
Increasing
Power
17-207
Figure 17.4
Political Strategies for Gaining and
Maintaining Power
Strategies
Controlling Uncertainty Reduce uncertainty for others in the firm
17-208
Political
Strategies
for
Exercising
Power
17-209
Figure 17.5
Strategies for Exercising Power
Strategies
Relying on Objective Providing impartial information causes
Information others to feel the manager’s course of
action is correct.
17-210