Conflict in the Workplace
1. Abstract Interpersonal conflicts in the workplace are very common because they inevitably arise when groups or teams perform. This essay critically discusses the view that these conflicts can in certain circumstances be a positive factor in improving the individual performance. The approach used to address this issue is a combination of literature review and interviews of employees working at the chosen business, which is the PTA GmbH.
T he four levels of conflict in the workplace and the explanation of the traditional, behavioural and interactionist views of conflict are identified. C onflicts are classified using two approaches: First, they are grouped into relationship and task conflicts. Second, they are categorised by distinguishing between competitive and cooperative conflicts. Seven circumstances are identified and explained in which conflict in the workplace can be a positive factor in improving the individual performance.
Conflict in the workplace
1.1. Levels of conflict Conflict in the workplace occurs when two or more people disagree over issues of organisational substance and / or experience some emotional antagonism with one another (Wood et al., 2003, p. 597). In general, it can be explained as perceived incompatible differences regarding interests or ideas that result in interference or opposition (Esquivel & Kleiner, 1996). Four levels of conflict can be identified (Wood et al., 2003, pp. 598-599):
§ Interorganisational conflict is conflict that occurs between organisations.
§ Intergroup conflict is conflict that occurs between groups in an organisation.
§ Intrapersonal conflict is conflict that occurs within the individual as a result of actual or perceived pressures from incompatible goals or expectations.
§ Interpersonal conflict is conflict that occurs between two or more individuals that work together in groups or teams (Wood et al., 2003, p. 598). Here a link can be made to the organisational behaviour theme
T he four levels of conflict in the workplace and the explanation of the traditional, behavioural and interactionist views of conflict are identified. C onflicts are classified using two approaches: First, they are grouped into relationship and task conflicts. Second, they are categorised by distinguishing between competitive and cooperative conflicts. Seven circumstances are identified and explained in which conflict in the workplace can be a positive factor in improving the individual performance.
Conflict in the workplace
1.1. Levels of conflict Conflict in the workplace occurs when two or more people disagree over issues of organisational substance and / or experience some emotional antagonism with one another (Wood et al., 2003, p. 597). In general, it can be explained as perceived incompatible differences regarding interests or ideas that result in interference or opposition (Esquivel & Kleiner, 1996). Four levels of conflict can be identified (Wood et al., 2003, pp. 598-599):
§ Interorganisational conflict is conflict that occurs between organisations.
§ Intergroup conflict is conflict that occurs between groups in an organisation.
§ Intrapersonal conflict is conflict that occurs within the individual as a result of actual or perceived pressures from incompatible goals or expectations.
§ Interpersonal conflict is conflict that occurs between two or more individuals that work together in groups or teams (Wood et al., 2003, p. 598). Here a link can be made to the organisational behaviour theme
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