Conflict management:
Conflict management is the process of handling conflict in a way that minimizes negative consequences and maximizes positive outcomes. It is important for organizations to have effective conflict management strategies in place, as conflict can have a significant impact on employee morale, productivity, and turnover.
There are many different conflict management techniques that can be used, but some of the most common include:
- Communication: Open and honest communication is essential for conflict management. Parties involved in the conflict should be able to communicate their concerns and needs to each other in a way that is respectful and constructive.
- Problem-solving: Parties involved in the conflict should work together to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone. This may involve brainstorming ideas, negotiating, and compromising.
- Third-party intervention: A third party, such as a mediator or arbitrator, can be helpful in resolving conflict. The third party can help the parties communicate more effectively, identify common ground, and develop a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
- Avoidance: Sometimes it is better to avoid conflict altogether. This may be appropriate in situations where the conflict is minor or where the cost of resolving the conflict is too high.
Multiple choice questions:
- Which of the following is not a conflict management technique?
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Third-party intervention
- Avoidance
- Which of the following is an example of communication being used as a conflict management technique?
- Two employees are arguing about how to solve a problem.
- Two departments are competing for the same budget and they are starting to get angry with each other.
- Two employees dislike each other and they are avoiding each other.
- Two employees are able to talk about their concerns and needs in a way that is respectful and constructive.
- Which of the following is an example of problem-solving being used as a conflict management technique?
- Two employees are arguing about how to solve a problem.
- Two departments are competing for the same budget and they are starting to get angry with each other.
- Two employees dislike each other and they are avoiding each other.
- Two employees work together to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
Answers:
- (C) Avoidance. Avoidance is not a conflict management technique. It is a way of managing conflict, but it does not lead to a positive outcome for all parties involved.
- (D) Two employees are able to talk about their concerns and needs in a way that is respectful and constructive. Communication is essential for conflict management, and this is an example of how communication can be used to manage conflict.
- (D) Two employees work together to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone. Problem-solving is a key component of conflict management, and this is an example of how problem-solving can be used to manage conflict.