CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Conflict management strategies

1. Functional conflict resolution – conflict is settled by compromise or by collaboration.

2. Compromise – each party engages in a "give-and-take" exchange until they resolve the conflict.

3. Collaboration – the parties try to accomplish a "win-win" result.

4. Accomodation – one party gives in to the demands of the other party.

5. Avoidance – the parties ignore the problem.

6. Competition – each party tries to maximize his or her own gain without understanding the other’s position.

Strategies focused on individuals

1. Increasing awareness of the sources of conflict – so that workers can then try to resolve the conflict.

2. Increasing diversity awareness and skills – diversity can cause conflict.

3. Practicing job rotation or temporary assignments – job rotation can resolve conflict by increasing appreciation for the responsibilities of different jobs.

4. Using permanent transfers or dismissals when necessary – sometimes workers need to be transferred to a different department, or to leave the company to work elsewhere.

Strategies focused on the whole organization

1. Changing an organization’s structure or culture – changing the organization’s structure can sometimes resolve conflict.

2. Altering the source of conflict – for example, managers can clarify the chain of command and resolve the problem of overlapping authority.

Assignment question:

What steps can a leader take to manage conflict in a way that protects the interests of individuals and organizations?

Source Quoted:

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072860820/student_view0/chap…
Jones, G. R., George, J. M., and Hill, C. W.L. (2006). Contemporary management. 4th Ed. Boston: Irwin. ISBN: 0073049212.