Conflict management

By

Chowdhury Mufad Ahmed

Former Additional Secretary
Government of Bangladesh
cmahmed@gmail.com
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 Definition
No single definition of conflict
exists.
Most definitions seem to involve the following factors:
•there are at least two independent parties,
•the parties perceive some incompatibility
between themselves,
•the parties interact with each other in some way.

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 "competition" and "conflict’’
"Competition" usually brings
out the best in people, as
they strive to be top in their
field, whether in sport,
community affairs, politics or
work.
When competition becomes
unfriendly or bitter, though,
“conflict” can begin - and this
can bring out the worst in
people.
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 Conflict management
There is agreement among
management scholars that there is no
one best approach to how to make
decisions, lead or manage conflict.

Managing conflict means you need to

develop several styles and decide which
is valuable at any given point of conflict.

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 Theory of conflict management
•The traditional theory is based on the assumption that conflicts are
bad, are caused by trouble makers, and should be subdued.

•Contemporary theory recognizes that conflicts between human beings

are unavoidable. They emerge as a natural result of change and can be
beneficial to the organization, if managed efficiently.

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 Common causes of conflict
• poor communication
• lack of clarity in roles and
responsibilities
• scarcity of resources
• different attitudes, values or
perceptions.
• disagreements about needs,
goals, priorities and interests.

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 Types of conflict
• Conflict between
individual
• Conflict between groups
of people
• Conflict within a group of
people

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 Stages of conflict
Where potential
for conflict exists

Latent conflict

Open conflict

Aftermath
conflict

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 Conflict management strategies
• Collaborating
I win, you win

• Compromising
You bend, I bend
• Accommodating
I lose, you win
• Competing
I win, you lose
• Avoiding
No winners, no losers

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 Tips to prevent conflict
• Be transparent and fair
• Listen to people
• ‘Let by gone be by gone’
• Respect others’ views
• Stay in touch

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 Tips for Managing Workplace Conflict
• Do not let small problems escalate; deal with
them as they arise
• Do not play blame game
• Focus on solving problems, not changing people.
• Listen to others’ perspectives on the conflict
situation
• Acknowledge feelings before focussing on facts
• Try to adapt your style to the situation and
persons involved
• Buy time

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 Tips for Managing Workplace Conflict

Follow ‘Good fences make

good neighbor’ rule.

Respect others’
views

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 Q &A

Thank you for you kind attention

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