Organization Conflict and Preventing Steps

Introduction  Whenever two individuals opine in different ways, a conflict arises. In a layman’s language conflict is nothing but a fight either between two individuals or among group members. No two individuals can think alike and there is definitely a difference in their thought process as well as their understanding. Disagreements among individuals lead to conflicts and fights.  Conflict arises whenever individuals have different values, opinions, needs, interests and are unable to find a middle way. Let us understand conflict in a better way Tim and Joe were working in the same team and were best of friends. One fine day, they were asked to give their inputs on a particular project assigned to them by their superior. There was a major clash in their understanding of the project and both could not agree to each other’s opinions. Tim wanted to execute the project in a particular way which did not go well with Joe. The outcome of the difference in their opinions was a conflict between the two and now both of them just can’t stand each other.

The dissimilarity in the interest, thought process, nature and attitude of Tim and Joe gave rise to a conflict between the two.

Conflict is defined as a clash between individuals arising out of a difference in thought process, attitudes, understanding, interests, requirements and even sometimes perceptions.

A conflict results in heated arguments, physical abuses and definitely loss of peace and harmony. A conflict can actually change relationships. Friends can become foes as a result of conflict just as in the case of Tim and Joe.

A Conflict not only can arise between individuals but also among countries, political parties and states as well. 

A small conflict not controlled at the correct time may lead to a large war and rifts among countries leading to major unrest and disharmony.

It is a well known fact that neighbours are our biggest assets as they always stand by us whenever we need them. Let us take the example of India and China or for that matter India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan are twin sisters as there is hardly any difference in the culture, religion, climatic conditions, eating habits of the people staying in both the countries, but still the two countries are always at loggerheads and the reason is actually unknown. Small issues between the two countries have triggered a conflict between them which has now become a major concern for both the countries.

Misunderstandings as well as ego clashes also lead to conflicts. Every individual has a different way to look at things and react to various situations.

Mike wanted to meet Henry at the church. He called up Henry and following was the conversation between them.

Mike - “Henry, I want to meet you tomorrow at 9”

Henry tried Mike’s number a several times but could not speak to him. Mike waited the whole day for Henry and finally there was a major fight between them. For Mike 9 meant 9 in the morning whereas Henry misunderstood it for 9 in the evening and hence a major conflict between the two. It is always advisable to be very clear and very specific to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Any feedback or suggestion by an individual might not go very well with other individual leading to severe displeasure. It might hurt the ego of the other person resulting in a fight and major disagreement.

Phases of conflict

A conflict has five phases.

1. Prelude to conflict – It involves all the factors which possibly arise a conflict among individuals. Lack of coordination, differences in interests, dissimilarity in cultural, religion, educational background all are instrumental in arising a conflict.
2. Triggering Event - No conflict can arise on its own. There has to be an event which triggers the conflict. Jenny and Ali never got along very well with each other. They were from different cultural backgrounds, a very strong factor for possibility of a conflict.Ali was in the mid of a presentation when Jenny stood up and criticized him for the lack of relevant content in his presentation, thus triggering the conflict between them.
3. Initiation Phase - Initiation phase is actually the phase when the conflict has already begun. Heated arguments, abuses, verbal disagreements are all warning alarms which indicate that the fight is already on.
4. Differentiation Phase - It is the phase when the individuals voice out their differences against each other. The reasons for the conflict are raised in the differentiation phase.
5. Resolution Phase - A Conflict leads to nowhere. Individuals must try to compromise to some extent and resolve the conflict soon. The resolution phase explores the various options to resolve the conflict.

Conflicts can be of many types like verbal conflict, religious conflict, emotional conflict, social conflict, personal conflict, organizational conflict, community conflict and so on.

Conflicts and fighting with each other never lead to a conclusion. If you are not on the same line as the other individual, never fight, instead try your level best to sort out your differences. Discussion is always a better and wiser way to adopt rather than conflicts.

Conflict Management - Understanding conflict & how to prevent it

The dissimilarity in the interests, thought processes, needs, attitudes of individuals result in a conflict. It is defined as a clash among individuals resulting in verbal disagreements, physical abuses and tensions. A conflict never provides any solution to a problem, instead it just worsens the situation. It leads to disrespect among individuals, hampers the productivity and individuals often feel demotivated after a fight. Conflicts must be prevented at the right time in order to avoid tensions and other adverse effects. In such a scenario, conflict management comes in picture. Conflict Management involves the steps undertaken to prevent the conflict at the right time and also helps to resolve it in an effective and smooth manner. No conflict can just start on its own. There has to be an event or an incident to trigger the same. Through conflict management, one actually finds out the possible events which can start a conflict and tries his level best to avoid them.

Let us understand conflict management with the help of an example.

Jenny and Joe were a part of the branding team headed by Thomas. Jenny and Joe never got along very well, a fact well known by Thomas. From the very beginning, Thomas had carefully charted out the key responsibility areas for both Jenny and Joe. He had strictly instructed both of them not to interfere in each other’s work and communicate through email marking a carbon copy to him as well. What is Thomas actually trying to do here ? He is simply trying to avoid a conflict between Jenny and Joe so that they can deliver their best and do not waste their time and energy in fighting.

It is very essential to understand the factors which might lead to a conflict. An individual must consider all the events which initiate a fight for an effective conflict management. Discussion goes a long way in preventing conflicts. Before implementing any new idea, make sure you discuss with each and everyone related to it. Listen to what other individuals have to say and consider their opinions as well. Ignoring anybody’s views might lead to a tussle. No two individuals can think on the same line but it is always wise to find a middle way which takes into account everybody’s interests.Don’t leave any issue unaddressed, instead discuss it when all the participants are present. Never criticize or make fun of anyone as they lead to a conflict. Be a good and an effective listener. Greet everyone with a warm smile. Individuals must not be too rigid and must learn to compromise sometimes. Do not create an environment which would lead to disagreements. At workplaces, transparency must be maintained at all levels and there must be a single point of contact to address the issues of individuals. The subordinates should have an easy access to their superiors to avoid confusions. An individual must not utter any word which might hurt the sentiments of the other individuals. If you come across any situation which you don’t find appropriate, don’t start spreading rumors; instead sit with the other people involved and sort out the differences as soon as possible. Avoid backbitings as it is one of the strongest reasons for conflicts.

Always ask yourself whether the fight will benefit you or not? What will you achieve out of fighting? Never provoke others to fight as it would only create a negative environment and add on to one’s tensions. Don’t always support your friend and oppose the person not known to you. Stand by what is right and always correct the other person if he is wrong, but in a polite manner.

Even if a conflict doesn’t involve you, don’t just ignore, instead intervene immediately to pacify the individuals. Be a good mediator and try to resolve the issues keeping everyone in mind.

Conflict management helps individuals to understand the causes of a conflict and helps prevent it at the right time.

Conflict Management Skills

Conflict management plays a very important role in preventing conflicts among individuals. How does a conflict arise? When individuals strongly oppose each other’s opinions and ideas, the probability of a conflict arises. A conflict starts when individuals think on different lines and find it very difficult to accept each other’s ideas. Conflict must be avoided as it destroys the peace, lowers the productivity as well as demotivates the individuals. All the factors leading to a fight must be explored and efforts must be made to prevent a conflict.

A conflict is not very easy to control; an individual needs certain skills for the same.

Let us study the skills in detail.

1.       Effective communication Skills

Effective communication skills are of utmost importance to prevent conflicts. While interacting with others, you have to take special care of your speech and the way you speak. Never ever shout on anyone, even if you do not agree with him. Always speak in a polite but convincing manner. Greet others with a warm smile. It works. Be very specific and precise in your speech. Do not use complicated words and confuse others. Keep a control on your tongue and do not use words which might hurt the sentiments of others. Avoid using abusive languages.

2.       Listening Skills

An individual must not give his expert comments unless and until he is very clear what the other person wants. Always be a good listener. Don’t just jump to conclusions and assume things on your own. Always listen to the other side of the story as well.

3.       Discussion

Don’t just follow the rumor mills blindly, do discuss with others as well. Differences can crop up anytime but fighting would provide no solution. It is always better to sit and discuss the issues on an open forum. All the participants must give their inputs and efforts must be made to find out an alternative. Invite all the members involved and never ignore anyone as it would never solve the problem. Everyone has a right to express his views and a middle way has to be found.

4.       Patience

One needs to be very patient to avoid conflicts. There would be people at your workplace and even home who would try to provoke you to fight. Never ever get influenced. Always follow your instincts and support what is right. Be very sensible and patient. Learn to keep a control on your emotions. Do not ever lose your temper as it would only make the situation worse.

5.       Impartial

An individual has to be impartial to avoid conflicts. Do not always support your friend. Stand by what is correct and never support what is wrong. Any individual, even if he is your friend must be corrected if you feel he is wrong. Listen to everyone and never ignore anyone just because you don’t know him.

6.       Never Criticize

Make the other person understand if he is wrong. Don’t criticize him as it would definitely hurt his sentiments. The other person might not be as intelligent as you are, but you have no right to make fun of him. Others will look up to you if you guide the other person well and make him realize his mistakes.

7.       Positive Attitude

Positive attitude is essential to avoid fights and conflicts. In offices, never ever play the Blame game. No one is perfect and if you have done anything wrong, have the courage to accept it. Human Beings are bound to make mistakes but never try to put the blame on anyone else’s shoulders. Avoid backbiting as it only spoils the relationships. If you don’t agree with anyone’s views, discuss with him on his face, he will like it. Don’t always find faults in others and be a little more adjusting as life is all about adjustments.

8.       Ignore others

Individuals must try to adopt the middle path approach which considers the interests of one and all. Don’t unnecessarily waste your energy for a person who is too adamant and is not willing to compromise at all. Ignore the person who is too demanding as it would solve half of your problems.

Importance of Conflict Management

A conflict arises when individuals have varied interests, opinions and thought processes and are just not willing to compromise with each other. It is always wise to adjust to some extent and try to find a solution to the problem rather than cribbing and fighting. Conflicts and disagreements only lead to negativity and things never reach a conclusion. It only adds on to the tensions and makes life hell. It actually leaves you drained and spoils your reputation. Every individual should try his level best to avoid conflict at the first place rather than resolving it later. Precautions must be taken at the right time to avoid a conflict. Imagine yourself constantly fighting with your fellow worker. Would you ever feel going to office? The issues resulting in a conflict must be controlled at the right time to prevent the eruption of a big fight. Conflict management plays an important role everywhere, at work places and even in our personal lives. Fighting never makes anyone happy and actually makes one’s life miserable.

No organization runs for charity, it has to make money to survive well. Employees must give their hundred percent at work to ensure the maximum productivity. Nothing productive will ever come out if the employees are constantly engaged in fighting and criticizing others. Conflict management plays a very important role at workplaces to prevent conflicts and for the employees to concentrate on their work. The team leaders must ensure that the roles and responsibilities of each and every employee are clearly passed on to them. Employees should be demotivated to interfere in each other’s work. Employees waste half of their time and energy in fighting with others and find it very difficult to work which they are actually supposed to do. An individual must enjoy his work; otherwise he would never be able to give his best.

Conflict management goes a long way in strengthening the bond among the employees and half of the problems automatically disappear. Individuals must feel motivated at work and find every single day exciting and challenging. Before implementing any idea, it must be discussed with everyone and no one should ever feel ignored or left out. This way, every employee feels indispensable for the office and he strives hard to live up to the expectations of his fellow workers and in a way contributing to the organization in his best possible way. Conflict management avoids conflicts to a great extent and thus also reduces the stress and tensions of the employees. No one likes to carry his tensions back home and if you fight with your colleagues and other people, you are bound to feel uncomfortable and restless even at home.

 Conflict management also plays an important role in our personal lives. Tussles and fights spoil relationships and only increase our list of enemies. Everyone needs friends who will stand by us when we need them. Conflict must be avoided at homes as it spoils the ambience and spreads negativity. Individuals tend to disrespect others as a result of conflicts. Conflict management prevents fall out between family members, friends, relatives and makes life peaceful and stressfree.Blamegame never helps anyone, instead it makes life miserable. No idea can ever be implemented if the individuals fight among themselves.

Conflict management helps to find a middle way, an alternative to any problem and successful implementation of the idea. Problems must be addressed at the right time to prevent conflict and its adverse effects at a later stage. Through conflict management skills, an individual explores all the possible reasons to worry which might later lead to a big problem and tries to resolve it as soon as possible.

Conflict Management is very important because it is always wise to prevent a fight at the first place rather than facing its negative consequencies. Stress disappears, people feel motivated, happy and the world definitely becomes a much better place to stay as a result of conflict management

Note: So many articles like management and organization related informations taken from managementstudyguide.com. My Special thanks to managementstudyguide.com
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Organizations Diversity

Introduction In recent years, organizations in all sectors have been aggressively working towards a concept called diversity of workforce. When you see a job posting that talks about equal opportunity, you might be wondering what it is all about. To put it simply, diversity in employment means that the employer is actively pursuing what can be called non-discrimination of potential recruits on the basis of gender, ethnicity, physical constraints and the like. What this means is that the employer or the organization adopts a policy wherein they do not differentiate between applicants on the grounds listed above and merit is the sole criterion when deciding the suitability of a potential recruit. Why Diversity ? With the advent of globalization, it has become imperative for organizations to have a workforce that is composed of different ethnicities and with the maturing of the business paradigm; gender is no longer a constraint. This has prompted large scale changes in the way organizations recruit people. Further, in many

countries the laws governing corporates have been legislated in such a way that makes the firms actively encourage diversity. For instance, the US is the leading proponent of diversity with the adoption of the “Equal Opportunity Act”. This act mandates employers not to discriminate on any basis be it gender, color, lifestyle preferences or any other traits as mentioned in the act. This has given a fillip to the employment of women and people of color and has removed the barriers that were threatening to make these groups of people at a minority in the corporate world as well.

Still a long way to go

Though the laws mandate equal opportunity, in practice, the hiring of disadvantaged and minority groups is still lagging behind in relative terms when compared with the majority groups. For instance, it is not uncommon for employers to weed out resumes of women and people of color. In India, there are still barriers to the hiring of people from certain states as was evidenced in news reports that emanated in the recent past. These practices are certainly undesirable and cast a cloud about the intentions of employers in embracing diversity at the workplace. Further, given the spate of lawsuits about sexual discrimination and harassment on the basis of ethnicity, it becomes clear that more than laws that deal with these issues, we need a mindset change among the firms and the practice of diversity is something that has to be encouraged from the top.

Some suggestions

Among the ways in which employers can encourage diversity is by promoting the concept of “blind resumes” that do not have the name, gender or ethnicity of the applicant mentioned. This would ensure that recruiters screen the resumes on the basis of the applicants’ qualifications alone and other factors are secondary. Another way to ensure diversity is by sensitizing the workforce to gender and ethnic issues, and ensure that they are more tolerant of people who are unlike them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, one needs to understand the difference between having a policy of diversity and actually practicing it by comparing it to the adage about the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Only by ensuring that the law is followed in spirit as well can employers truly embrace diversity.

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