Every individual perceives and identifies situations differently. A situation that may not necessarily affect one may be more significant to another. Conflict arises in every organization because of differing opinions that generally lead to arguments and will most likely lead to uncomfortable circumstances.
"In the context of organizational behavior, conflict may be defined as a circumstance in which one party negatively affects or seeks to negatively affect another party. Conflict can be observable or perceived. Conflict and negotiation are closely related concepts, in that both suggest that two parties are involved, and both seek to impose their will or gain in a disputed situation" (Baack, 2012, "7.3").
Conflict is a part of life and occurs among coworkers, family members, neighbors, and friends. Settling conflicts will depend largely on the understanding of the situation. Often times when team members are brought together with opposing beliefs, values, perspectives, backgrounds, personalities, and different communication styles conflicts can become extremely problematic and disconcerting.
If conflict goes unresolved the results could be disastrous causing loss of productivity, forfeiture of innovation, and no cooperation among the team members. How conflict is handled will have a direct impact on the organization and the individuals involved, and will also determine future relationships among team members, and other individuals who may be indirectly involved with the project.
[...] Team Conflict Case Study Prior to coming to Ashford University I attended University of Phoenix. This school has developed a program that involves the construction of teams in every class taken. Teams were assigned at the beginning of a specific class. The first assignment for the team was establishing guidelines with a team charter. Each individual in the team would fill out this charter and a collective team charter was made. This charter involved setting clear standards and guidelines to be followed. [...]
[...] If the instructor were also involved in the negotiation process she could have confirmed the importance of the team charter and stated that failure to comply would result in further consequences. This could have created harmony within the team. Collaboration could have been used to find a solution that parties could agree to create a common goal that clearly was misunderstood by the student who was not performing. The instructor to help others with his or her own thoughts and opinions also could have used generosity and kindness. [...]
[...] Individuals are not encouraged unless he or she is willing to be challenged in his or her beliefs and behavior. Conflict is a way of displaying these challenges. If an individual is defeated by conflict the opportunity for growth will not exist and perhaps will prevent successful work. The individual will also lose out in gaining a better understanding to widen his or her horizons and increase his or her limits and boundaries. Having conflict will also permit an individual to use his or her creativity to find resourceful solutions and will push individuals to go beyond complacency. [...]
[...] Interpersonal conflict occurs between individuals such as the team discussed above, or possibly roommates or workplace incivility explained in out textbook as sexually inappropriate comments, racial or ethnic slurs, ridicule of older/younger workers, derision based on sexual orientation, and insensitive comments about physical or mental disabilities” (Baack 7.3 This can take place when individuals are working on the same goal, project or assignment. “Intergroup conflicts emerge when disagreements about goals, differences of opinion about which group should be assigned a project or task, or budget allocations become the focus of attention” (Baack 7.3 Intragroup conflict is much like the conflict happening in the example of this paper. Intragroup conflict “refers to incidents between members of a group. [...]
[...] Giving respect to each individual participating could have supported individual views, values, and opinions. A harmonious atmosphere could have been created for the parties involved if an open mind and generous outlook were presented. This would detail the aspects of the “bigger picture” within the team. Each individual involved in the team knows what his or her duty is, however, because the emphasis is placed on having a group solution there is a critical need for effective collaboration. Effective collaboration could have perhaps decreased the level of tension and stress that had been created during the operation of this specific project that result in lack of motivation. [...]
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