Conflict can originate in many forms in the workplace, it is inevitable and normal that conflict will arise as working relationships are tested on a daily basis in a working environment. It could be employees arguing amongst themselves, or it could even be conflict between a manager and an employee. Disagreements will always occur in the workplace but it’s how you deal with it that matters. The Marxist theory states “society is a dynamic entity constantly undergoing change driven by class conflict”. This theory could be used to support the reasoning as to why conflict is a recurring factor in the workplace.
There will
always be hierarchy in the workplace and this can cause conflict to occur,
employees may feel that they are not respected or appreciated enough by their
managers. This can then cause employees to become withdrawn, they might start
to slack on the standard of work they produce and tension may start to arise
between the employees and their manager. The role of the manager is to use conflict
as a benefit to the company, as it can help to build on relationships, boost
sales and income and it can also help to form new working relationships.
As children
we have all had experience in losing in a conflict situation with our parents,
so do you think this is why we view conflict as a negative thing? Is this the
reason why many of us think there is no positive outcome of a conflict
situation? Preventing conflict through consultation requires communication. As
communicators send and receive messages, there is enormous opportunity for
slippage in the sequence of what is meant, said, heard, or understood” (Hocker
and Wilmot 1991).
I don’t
think managers are always aware of just how important it is to have conflict in
the workplace; it can help to improve the communication between managers and
employees within the workplace. Dialogue is the key element when trying to find
a conflict resolution; the manager has to remain firm but empathic and
non-blameful at the same time. This will allow the employee to feel comfortable
speaking to the manager; this will then help to break down any other barriers
of communication that may arise later on in the workplace.
Feel free to
leave your thoughts below J
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ReplyDeleteI believe that conflict can sometimes be interoperated differently. Like you mentioned above, managers need to be aware of how important it is to have conflict in the workplace however this use of 'conflict' also comes with cons as some individuals do not react happily with signs of conflict. I think it all depends in what field of work your in. For example a workplace to do will sales and commission pay might be better off whereas a retail environment a small business might not necessarily benefit from it.
ReplyDeleteConflict should be handled delicately or humorously, depending on the situation. I agree that conflict can help communication and understanding, because employers and employees are able to open up and should be allowed to share their thoughts and opinions. However, conflict should be handled in a professional, yet friendly manner; in order to create that comfortable environment for the employee/employer to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteconflict helps you to grow as a person, its all about self improvement. If nobody had a conflict in the work place the really big descions that are important go the company will not be made.
ReplyDelete