CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Conflict Management

Abstract

This paper discusses the management of conflict in the business world. It includes the causes of conflict, as well as the ways to manage it. Conflict can be of many forms, but the way to manage conflict should be understood well. A manager can use a checklist for managing conflict and should be a good listener.

Conflict Management

Introduction

Conflict can arise anywhere and everywhere; schools, homes, workplaces, hospitals. Since it is inevitable and usually unavoidable, people need to manage conflict. The management of conflict is essential in the business world. The conflict that arises in the workplace is of numerous forms. It may be between individuals or groups, possibly because they do not get along. The conflict could be the result of rivalry between two parties like departments, teams and so on.

Discussion

Issues the Cause Conflict

Some common issues that are present in most workplaces include poor management, unclear job roles, unfair treatment, poor communication, inadequate training, poor work environment, bullying and harassment, and lack of equal opportunities. These issues are known to be the direct causes of conflict. Most of the time, the causes of conflict remain dormant for years, and suddenly re- ignite. This can be caused by the parties that are involved or by the change in expectations and needs. Additionally, it may be caused by an increase in the workload, or from ignoring common values or unresolved problems from the past.

Managing Group

In order to manage conflict, the manager or concerned authority should have a quiet word with the groups or individuals involved in the conflict. See Figure 1.1 for a clear depiction of moving from the informal to the formal stage of the conflict. The informal stage comprises of simple talking and listening to the employees. They should be given adequate space and time to communicate their feelings and concerns. The employees should know who they can or should go to when they have a problem at work. They should be assured that their concerns will be addressed seriously. A culture of expressing own opinions should be practiced and encouraged in the workplace.

Firstly, it is better to informally investigate the situation and not to make quick decisions that are based on an instinct. Time should be taken to talk to the colleagues and gather relevant information regarding the parties involved in conflict. Secondly, the colleagues are a better source of information about the employee's absence record. Furthermore, a colleague or supervisor would be a better source of telling about the personal problems that affect an employee's performance.

Managers should keep a checklist for managing conflict, and refer to it whenever a conflict is witnessed. The manager will need to be trained to handle difficult conversations with the employees. They must have proper procedures of dispute, grievance and discipline for dealing with conflict. He or she needs to keep into consideration if outside help is needed. The manager should encourage the open expression of opinions and be able to recognize the importance of ...