Conflict is a normal feature of organizational life. Understanding what conflict means—and identifying its type and level—helps managers diagnose problems before choosing how to address them.
Organizational conflict is the process by which individuals or groups react when another person or group has frustrated, or is about to frustrate, their plans, goals, beliefs, or activities. In practical terms, conflict arises when someone’s expectations or goal-directed behavior is blocked, or appears likely to be blocked, by someone else.
All flashcards
How is organizational conflict defined?
It is the process by which individuals or groups react when another entity has frustrated, or is about to frustrate, their plans, goals, beliefs, or activities.
What is goal conflict?
A clash in which people or groups desire different outcomes and disagree about whose goals should be pursued.
How do cognitive and affective conflict differ?
Cognitive conflict concerns inconsistent ideas or opinions. Affective conflict concerns incompatible feelings, emotions, or attitudes.
What is behavioral conflict?
Conflict arising when one person’s behavior is unacceptable to others, such as using profane language or engaging in conduct that offends coworkers.
What are the four levels of conflict?
Intrapersonal (within one person), interpersonal (between two people), intergroup (between groups), and interorganizational (between organizations or other large entities).
Quiz questions
Which outcome can result when moderate conflict supports problem-solving?Answer: It can encourage innovation and organizational change.
How can continued or poorly handled conflict affect employees’ work?Answer: It can divert effort from performance and goal attainment toward the dispute.
What can be a consequence of too little conflict in an organization?Answer: Ideas may go unchallenged, limiting opportunities to find better solutions.
Which factors help determine whether organizational conflict is harmful or useful?Answer: Its nature, intensity, and duration.
What does constructive confrontation involve?Answer: Vigorous, respectful disagreement focused on examining an issue.
Based on Organizational Behavior by J. Stewart Black, David S. Bright, Donald G. Gardner, Eva Hartmann, Jason Lambert, Laura M. Leduc, Joy Leopold, James S. O’Rourke, Jon L. Pierce, Richard M. Steers, Siri Terjesen, Joseph Weiss (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.