The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

MANAGING CONFLICT / 293

Identifying the sources of conflict

Not all conflict within an organization is unhealthy,

but conflict between and among people within

an organization can quickly become counter-

productive, divisive, and destructive if not

properly managed. Conflict may develop over

any number of issues or factors, but these

five appear regularly:

POORLY DEFINED

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conflict may result

from differences

between formal

position descriptions

and daily expectations

of the job. Review

and agree who is

responsible for

what (and to whom).

CHANGE

Many changes,

including those to

annual budgets,

organizational

priorities, lines of

authority, or limits

of responsibility, as

well as restructuring,

mergers, divestitures,

and layoffs, can

create anxiety,

uncertainty, and

conflict in an

organization.

HUMAN DRIVE

FOR SUCCESS

Conflicts can arise

as a result of the

natural sense of goal

orientation that every

human experiences.

Many organizations

actively foster a sense

of competition among

their members,

creating many

competitors and

few rewards.

US_292-293_Managing_Conflict.indd 293 30/05/16 3:05 pm