Conflict management in the workplace is an issue that every leader, manager, or employee has to deal with at one time or another.

The basics of conflict management include improving communication, teamwork, and a systematic approach to solving the disagreement. This paper explores various techniques that can be utilized to manage conflict in the workplace.

Conflict is defined by Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman as “the process in which one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party” (p. 362). Sometimes conflict that be a positive force within an organization, while at other times it is a negative force.

An example of conflict as a positive force is that the creation and resolution of conflict may lead the company to constructive problem solving. It may also lead people to search for ways of changing how they do things. The conflict resolution process can ultimately be a stimulus for positive change within an organization (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 364).

However, conflict may also have serious negative effects on an organization. For example, conflict may divert efforts from

goal attainment or it may deplete resources (particularly time and money) (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 364). Conflict also may negatively affect the psychological well-being of employees and cause stress (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 364). Indeed, conflicting workplace ideas may lead to anger, tension, and anxiety. Deep and lasting conflicts that continue without conflict management may even lead to violence between employees and others (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 365). Therefore, it would be fair to say that conflict may sometimes be advantageous and at other times destructive.

A collaborating style refers to “strong cooperative and assertive behaviors. It is the win-win approach to interpersonal conflict handling” (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 376). In this stylistic approach to workplace conflict management, it is sharing, examining and assessing the reasons for the conflict that leads to the development of an alternative that is fully acceptable to everyone involved. This effectively resolves the conflict (Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, p. 377).

Additionally, there are exercises that can be done to resolve conflict and tensions in the workplace. For example, in the article by Boss and McConkie, the authors suggest an exercise for situations of conflict where there are contradictory personalities. They suggest a writing exercise where the people in conflict write answers to three questions:

Another suggestion for workplace conflict management is to take a step-by-step approach no matter what style the manager is employing. Author Rudy M. Yandrick’s article, “Integrating Behavioral Strategies: A Solution to Workplace Problems”, suggests that a systemic approach to workplace issues by management is essential in today's workplace environment. For example, a step-by-step process can be taken to resolve any workplace conflict. This enables

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