Paper Topic:

Organizational Behavior

: Organizational Behavior

Question : Identify ways in which conflict can be beneficial for the organization . How can managers determine what the optimal amount of conflict is for the organization

Author

Conflict is a state in which 2 or more people or groups of people develop disagreement , opposition , differences or incompatibilities with each other . Conflicts can exist in every human interaction . In an organization , conflicts occur because people from different ideas and backgrounds work together towards common organizational objectives

Conflicts can be of 2 types , namely healthy (or positive ) and unhealthy (or

negative . Healthy conflicts produce a new environment in the organization . There is a fresh sense of creativity , intellectual dialogue and flow of ideas that was not existent before . An organization should be conducive to such conflicts , as it will help in further growth and development

Unhealthy conflicts create a lot of issues and problems in the organization . The staff members become increasingly de-motivated , and tend to lose interest in their work . There is a decrease in productivity , along with demonstration of unfavorable behaviors

Conflicts can also help introduce changes in an organization . In such circumstances , the staff members adapt to these changes faster Conflicts also improve the effectiveness of an organization and group functioning in the organization . There is a strong flow of innovative ideas , which the organization could utilize for its benefits Innovation can be a positive factor that stimulates healthy conflict Conflicts in the right doses improve the performance of the organization

The outcome of conflicts varies depending on the type of conflict and the nature of the groups that exist in the organization . Conflicts that tend to exist in groups performing non-routine tasks , do not negatively affect the work

Conflicts can be beneficial or unfavorable to the organization However , no theory currently exists of the beneficial or detrimental effects of conflict . Sometimes , conflict between 2 individuals or groups may require a third party or a mediator to resolve the issue The conflict resolution process will succeed only if the individuals or groups have respect for the mediator . The mediator should keep issues of the conflict confidential . It is very important for the person managing the conflict to identify the circumstances under which conflicts can be negative or helpful to the organization . He / she should have an idea of the group structure to predict the effect conflict will have on the organization References

Billikopf , G (2006 . Conflict Management Skills . Retrieved November 12 2006 , The Regents of the University of California Web site : HYPERLINK "http /www .cnr .berkeley .edu /ucce50 /ag-labor /7labor /13 .htm http /www .cnr .berkeley .edu /ucce50 /ag-labor /7labor /13 .htm

Esquivel , M . A Kleiner , B . H (1996 . The importance of conflict in work team effectiveness . Empowerment in Organizations , 4 (4 , 10-15

HYPERLINK "http /www .emeraldinsight .com /Insight /viewContentItem .do ?contentType Ar ticle contentId 882403 http /www .emeraldinsight .com /Insight /viewContentItem .do ?contentType Art icle contentId 882403 Fink , S .B (2006 . Make Conflict Work for You . Retrieved November 12 2006 , From Training Magazine Web site...

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