Types and Sources of Conflicts

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Types and sources of conflicts
The perception of the work life takes into consideration the existence of difference in interests, values and cultural background among the employees, which makes the employment relations more pluralistic and diversified. In any case, it is impossible to avoid conflict situations, which are regarded as a natural process in attaining cooperation within the working environment (Leopold, Harris, Watson, 1999). Effective management of conflict situations includes the understanding and analysis of the types and sources of the conflict conditions.
Mostly, a conflict is associated with aggressive or hostile behaviour but it also may stay quiet or hidden. In this regard, we can outline two major types of conflicts: at the level of interest and at the level of behaviour.
Conflict at the level of interest appears when the managers and employees differently see the desired results of the work performance. While the behavioural level of conflict exists when the parties clash over the perceived differences and engage in open confrontation (Leopold, Harris, Watson, 1999).
The two abovementioned types of conflicts may derive from the several major sources, which are:
Organisational. This source is related to hierarchy and inability to resolve the conflict of interest. The problem of `employees vs management` still exists in many organisations, consequently there is tension created by the difference in levels of responsibilities among the employees as well as among different departments. Conflict can arise over resource distribution, the dispersal of accountability, workload and perks and benefits, different levels of acceptance for risk taking, and changeable opinions on responsibility (Donais, 2006).
Miscommunica...

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... environment which brings in more stress and conflicts connected with variations in management style, downsizing/promotion and modern work technologies. Many workplaces suffer from continuous reorganization, leading to further stress and conflict.
External factors. Economic forces such as recession, fluctuating markets, domestic and foreign competition are those factors with effect all the employees in different countries. Conflicts can exists with clients and contractors affecting customer service and delivery of goods. Also public and non-profit workplaces in particular can face political pressures and demands from special interest groups (Donais, 2006). Changes in government policies can have a sufficient influence, especially on public and non-profit organizations. These concerns can direct to clash between employees and even between high levels of management.

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