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Learn about conflict management theories, types of conflicts, and techniques for resolving conflicts effectively in organizations. Understand the importance of managing conflicts to achieve productive outcomes and maintain healthy relationships.
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Art of Leadership & Motivation HRM – 760 Lecture - 16 • FACILITATOR • Prof. Dr. Mohammad Majid Mahmood
What we know…. • Conflict is a naturally occurring phenomenon for human beings • People do not get involved in conflict situations unless they have some stake in the relationship or outcome or both
What we know…. • One can never truly resolve conflict, one can only manage conflict • The costs of unmanaged conflict can be high, but the gains from using differences creatively can also be great • Conflict can either be productive or destructive
Why Conflict Arise? People differ… so they: • See things differently • Want different things • Have different thinking styles, which prompts them to disagree • Are predisposed to disagree • Have different personalities • Have different status • Have different goals • Are influenced by fear, force, fairness or funds
THE ISSUES • The Facts: present situation, problems • The Goals: how things ought to be, the future conditions sought • The Methods: the best, the easiest, the quickest, the most ethical • The Values: the beliefs about priorities that should be observed in choosing goals & methods • The History: what has gone on before
Theories of Conflict Traditional Theory • conflicts are caused by trouble-makers • conflicts are bad • conflicts should be avoided Modern Theory • conflicts are expected between human beings • conflicts are often beneficial • conflicts are the natural result of change • conflicts can and should be managed
Types of Conflict • Differences in Style. • People's style for a completing job can differ. • e.g. one person may just want to get the work done quickly (task oriented), while another is more concerned about having it done a particular way e.g. artistic • Differences in Background/Gender • Conflicts can arise between people because of differences in educational backgrounds, personal experiences, gender and political preferences. • Differences in Personality • This type of conflict is often fueled by emotion and perceptions about somebody else's motives and character. • e.g. a team leader jumps on someone for being late because he perceives the team member as being lazy. The team member sees the team leader as being irrational.
Types of Conflict • Interdependence Conflicts • A person's job depends on someone else's co-operation, output or input. • E.g., a sales-person is constantly late inputting the monthly sales figures which causes the accountant to be late with her reports. • Differences in Leadership • Leaders have different styles. Employees who change from one supervisor to another can become confused • E.g.. one leader may be more open and delegates responsibility while another may be more directive. For an employee, it becomes a conflict situation.
Resolving Conflicts • Step One: Set the Scene • Understand the situation rationally • Step Two: Gather Information • Understand each others needs and concerns • Step Three: Agree to a Problem • Define a mutual Problem • Step Four: Brainstorm Possible Solutions • Think of all the possible solutions • Step Five: Negotiate a Solution • Come to solution that is agreed by both the groups If the situation remains a conflict, then consider seeking a third party to mediate.
More Techniques… • Recognize conflict is a process to be managed, not avoided or eliminated. • Conflict is a problem to be solved, not a battle to be won. • Stay focused on the problem or issue to be solved.
More Techniques… Ask Open-Ended Questions. Listen Actively Keep emotions in control. Separate People from the Problem. Focus on Interests, Not Positions. Use Ground Rules
Conflict Styles R E L A T I O N S H I P High Importance 3 5 4 2 1 High Importance Low Importance GOALS
Conflict Styles R E L A T I O N S H I P High Importance 3 5 4 2 1--Turtle High Importance Low Importance GOALS
Turtle - Withdrawing • Avoid conflict at all costs • Give up their personal goals & relationships • Believe it is hopeless to try to resolve conflict • Feel helpless • Easier to withdraw than face conflict
Conflict Styles R E L A T I O N S H I P High Importance 3 5 4 2--Shark 1 High Importance Low Importance GOALS
Shark - Forcing • Try to overpower opponents by forcing them to accept their solutions • Not concerned with needs of others • Do not care about how others perceive them • Believe in winning and losing • Winning gives them a sense of pride • Try to win by attacking, & threatening others
Conflict Styles R E L A T I O N S H I P High Importance 3--Teddy Bear 5 4 2 1 High Importance Low Importance GOALS
Teddy Bear--Smoothing • Relationships most important, goals of little importance • Want to be accepted and liked by other people • Believe conflict should be avoided in favour of harmony • Fearful that conflict will hurt someone
Conflict Styles R E L A T I O N S H I P High Importance 3 5 4--Fox 2 1 High Importance Low Importance GOALS
Fox--Compromising • Moderately concerned with relationships and goals • Willing to sacrifice part of their goals and relationships in order to find agreement for the common good
Conflict Styles R E L A T I O N S H I P High Importance 3 5--Owl 4 2 1 High Importance Low Importance GOALS
Owl--Collaborating • Value goals and relationships • View conflicts as problems to be solved • See conflicts as improving relationships by reducing tension • Seek solutions that satisfy both parties • Not satisfied until solution is found and tension is reduced
Decide on a SMART agreement • S Specific • M Mutually acceptable • A Appropriate • R Realistic • T Time based
In any business situation, SOLVING THE PROBLEM IS THE GOAL…NOT WINNING!
FACILITATOR • Prof. Dr. Mohammad Majid Mahmood