Conflict Management
What is conflict? Conflict is an ongoing condition of antagonism between two or more people. A clash of interests, principles, actions, or instructions often sparks a conflict. Conflict and simple disagreements are frequently confused but are definitely not the same. Different opinions on facts, interpretation of reality, and placing of blame are examples of simple disagreements which initially may be just an exchange of words, but could escalate to conflict. If the persons involved can not sustain respect for each other’s beliefs, then simple disagreements may turn into conflict. Conflict is inevitable because of individual differences. Conflict arises when the assumption is “if you get what you want, I can’t get what I want”. When two or more parties want the same thing or outcome, conflict arises. You and a co-worker want a promotion, but there is only one opening for the position. Hence, a conflict begins to emerge and conflict management techniques have to be executed.
There are four levels of conflict: intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup and intergroup. Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual such as deciding which job offer to take or what to order from a menu. A conflict between two persons is interpersonal. Examples of interpersonal conflict are a couple deciding on what restaurant to dine in or what play to attend. Conflicts between group members are intragroup ie., deciding on a new group name or annual trip. Intergroup conflicts occur between two or more groups such as group competitions or contests. It is imperative to distinguish between the ...