COMMON FORMS AND CAUSES OF CONFLICT

Conflict is a condition that exists anytime two or more people disagree over an issue or
situation.

COMMON FORMS OF CONFLICT

1. Task conflict refers to conflict regarding the goals and content of the work.

2. Process conflict occurs when the parties agree on the goals and content of work, but
disagree on how to achieve the goals and actually do the work.

3. Relationship conflict occurs when the parties have interpersonal issues.

4. Legal conflict may arise when there are differences in perceptions between
organisations.

CAUSES OF CONFLICT

Interpersonal Conflict. It occurs between two or more individuals who are against one
another.

Intergroup Conflict. It occurs among members of different teams or groups.

Conflict between Organization and Environment. It occurs due to competition firms

that operate in the same markets.

Task Interdependence. It can also result in conflict across any of the levels of conflict.
The greater the interdependence between departments, the greater the likelihood that
conflict will occur.

1. Pooled interdependence represents the lowest level of interdependence

and hence results in the least amount of conflict.
2. Sequential interdependence the output of one unit becomes the input
for another in a sequential fashion; this creates a moderate level of
interdependence and a somewhat higher potential for conflict.
 3. Reciprocal interdependence exists when activities flow both ways
between units; this form has the highest potential for conflict.

REACTIONS TO CONFLICT

The Five Conflict-Handling Modes

Assertive

Competition Collaboration
Assertiveness

Compromise

Avoidance Accomodation
Unassertive

Uncooperative Cooperative

Cooperativeness

Avoidance- In avoidance, every one shows that the conflict does not really exist and
hopes that it will finish.
Accommodation- It involves hiding the differences between the conflicting parties and
showing areas of agreement.
 Competition- It is a victory achieved due to force, superior skill, or domination of one
party. It is a win-lose situation.
Collaboration- It involves appreciation by all conflicting parties that something is wrong
and needs attention.
Compromise- It occurs when each party gives up something for the sake of the other.
No party is fully satisfied.