Creative conflict management in organizations

Abstract

In our relationships at our workplaces, we are involved in all kinds of actions, decisions, and changes that may threaten or confuse others. If these fears and misunderstandings are not quickly resolved, tension will mount and conflict will develop. Conflict itself can be positive and the idea that conflict is bad is very debilitating to organizations because it prevents growth, change, and new directions. It is not only possible but also undesirable to eliminate all conflict in an organization. However, understanding the dynamics taking place in conflict and knowing how to manage it can provide rich opportunities for organizational effectiveness. Organizational Conflict is a natural by-product of increased societal and organizational complexity. The average community, school, church and organization these days, are composed of people from many different backgrounds, cultures, religions, races, and value systems. These differing viewpoints and behavior increase the likelihood of misunderstandings that in turn lead to conflicts. Organizational conflict has therefore become one of the manager's greatest managerial plaques. The implication of all of this is that, it is essential that managers understand conflict and how to manage it successfully. If managers do not understand the dynamics taking place in conflict, they will tend to be “reactors” to whatever is happening in this process. Instead of turning it into a process for problem-solving, positive change, new goals, and relationship building.