Conflict Resolution Strategies
Dera Hicks
University of Phoenix
September 6, 2007
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Conflict is an unavoidable circumstance of human interaction. While conflict is a natural occurrence, it can often feel quite uncomfortable. Groups and teams are perfect breeding grounds for conflict because of the individual differences involved. Conflict can be either constructive or destructive, therefore it is important to understand the types and sources of conflict as well as how to effectively manage conflict in a group or team environment. This paper will examine types of group conflict and their sources, and explore effective ways of constructively managing conflict in a team environment.
Conflict
One definition of conflict is "any situation in which there are incompatible goals, cognitions, or emotions within or between individuals or groups that lead to opposition or antagonistic interaction" (DeJanasz, Dowd & Schneider, 2001, p. 242). Since conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction, it is important for an organization that desires success to understand types of conflict and their sources. According to Putnam, there are three sources of conflict: substantive conflict, procedural conflict, and affective conflict (Putnam, 1986). Putnam also defines these conflict types as follows: "substantive conflict is disagreement over members' ideas and group issues"; "procedural conflict is disagreement among group members about the methods or process the group should follow in its attempt to accomplish a goal"; "affective conflict centers around the personalities, communication styles, and emotions of group members" (Putnam, 1986). Where do these conflicts originate?
Any of the above types of conflicts can arise ...