Team Dynamics - Conflict Resolution Strategies People work in groups or teams every day, whether in their career, education, political organization, church, or any other social setting. Conflict while working in teams or groups is inevitable. When taking people of different backgrounds, personalities, moral and ethical beliefs, and putting them together in a group, conflict will arise. The key to achieving your team goals is to construct and conquer your goals while keeping the greater good of the team in mind. Conflict, as it arises, should be combated and abated through swift and thorough resolution techniques. When dealt with properly, conflict resolution can give rise to a cohesive and productive team. What Is Conflict? Conflict, as defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is "a competitive or opposing action of incompatibles: antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interest, or persons), Mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands." Simply put, conflict is the disagreement and disharmony that occurs in groups when differences are expressed regarding ideas, methods, and/or members (Engleberg, Wynn, and Schuttler, 2003). Conflict among teams or groups develops in many ways. In developing an effective team, members will generally experience the five stages of evolution: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. The storming and norming stages deal with the process of conflict (storming) and resolution (norming). During the storming stage, exact conflict has not yet been identified, and therefore chaos, disorganization, and disputes are apparent. The Norming stage is where conflict is identified and dealt with, and resolution strategies are implemented. Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies There are several effective conflict resolution strategies that can be used to resolve conflicts within a team. One such strategy is to identify the source of the conflict and address it directly. Another strategy is to encourage open communication and active listening among team members. Additionally, compromise and negotiation can be used to find a mutually beneficial solution to the conflict. Finally, it is important to seek the assistance of a mediator or third-party facilitator if the conflict cannot be resolved internally. Conclusion In conclusion, conflict is an inevitable part of working in teams or groups. However, by using effective conflict resolution strategies, conflicts can be resolved, and a cohesive and productive team can be established. It is important to keep the greater good of the team in mind when dealing with conflicts and to address conflicts directly and promptly. By doing so, teams can achieve their goals and work together effectively. References DeJanasz, S. C., Dowd, K. O., & Schneider, B. Z. (2002). Interpersonal Skills in Organizations. New York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 309-329, 371-393, 241-259. Engleberg, I., Wynn, D., & Schuttler, R., (2003). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies (3rd ed.) Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. pp. 146-170. Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A., (2004). Organizational Behavior (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. pp. 406-441. Parker, G., (2003). Cross-Functional Teams: Working with Allies, Enemies, and Other Str
Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2008). Organizational Behavior - 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Whenever people unite to work as a team for anything more than a brief duration, some conflict is normal, and should be expected (Engleberg, Wynn & Schutter, 2003). Because of the inevitability of conflict, being able to recognize, address, and ultimately resolve it is vitally important, since unresolved conflict may have undesirable effects, including reduced morale, or increased turnover (De Janasz, Dowd & Schneider, 2001). Just as conflicts within team environments vary, so do methods for resolving it. In this paper, conflict, its effects, and some management and resolution strategies as they relate to team dynamics will be discussed. Understanding the various conflict resolution methods, including how and when to apply them, is of utmost importance. In teams, different types of conflict call for different solutions. Conflict resolution is certainly not an area in which one size fits all.
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Many people enjoy working or participating in a group or team, but when a group of people work together chances are that conflicts will occur. Hazleton describes conflict as the discrepancy between what is the perceived reality and what is seen as ideal (2007). “We enter into conflicts reluctantly, cautiously, angrily, nervously, confidently- and emerge from them battered, exhausted, sad, satisfied, triumphant. And still many of us underestimate or overlook the merits of conflict- the opportunity conflict offers every time it occurs” (Schilling, nd.). Conflict does not have to lead to a hostile environment or to broken relationships. Conflict if resolved effectively can lead to a positive experience for everyone involved. First, there must be an understanding of the reasons why conflicts occur. The conflict must be approached with an open mind. Using specific strategies can lead to a successful resolution for all parties involved. The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument states “there are five general approaches to dealing with conflict. The five approaches are avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise, and collaboration. Conflict resolution is situational and no one approach provides the best or right approach for all circumstances” (Thomas, 2000).
Differences within the team are the major reason for conflict. This stems from differences in opinion, attitude, beliefs, as well as cultural back grounds and social factors. The Conflict can be positive which is functional and supports or benefits the organization or a person’s main objectives (Reaching Out, 1997). Conflict is viewed as positive when the conflict results in increased involvement form the group, increased cohesion, and positive innovation and creativity. Conflict tends to be positive as well when it leads to better decisions, and solutions to long-term problems.
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Conflict can be described as a major disagreement or opposing interests or ideas. Whenever people work together, conflict can most often be expected. Conflict is a normal and natural part of any workplace usually resulting from the differences in employees' personalities and values. . When it occurs, there is a tendency for morale to be lowered and a decrease in productivity. While conflict is a normal part of any organizational setting, the challenge of conflict comes from how you choose to deal with it. Masking, avoided or otherwise ignoring conflict will most likely fester and grow into bitterness, create withdrawal or cause discord and spitefulness within an organization. Addressing conflict in a timely manner is important to maintaining a healthy work environment. Believing that a conflict will simply disappear is an incorrect assumption to make because simple conflicts can grow into major problems if not dealt with appropriately.
Interpersonal skills are highly important in the workplace as a manager or as an employee. Skills such as listening, assertiveness, negotitation, coaching, persuasion, interviewing, and feedback set apart a manager or applicant, who then would appeal attractive to a company. Throughout this essay, there would be a brief explanation of each skill.
Likewise, the conflict should be acknowledged as soon as it is seen and prepare for the resolution. During such time, the discussion about it plays vital role towards resolving the conflict. In order to maximize team efforts, teammates must cooperate with each other and try to resolve conflict with proper and transparent communication. While resolving a conflict, it is also important for the teammates to remember why they are together in the first place and follow their best foundational strategy.
...adership Practices in Relation to Productivity and Morale." In D. Cartwright and A. Zander, Group Dynamics: Research and Theory, 2nd ed. (Elmsford, NY: Row, Paterson, 1960)
Go on the internet and do research on the following interpersonal skills: listening, assertiveness, negotiation, feedback, persuasion, interviewing, and coaching. For each skill prepare a report containing the following elements: a definition of the skill, an example of how the skill could be useful in business, and a web site that offers instruction on how to develop that skill.