Preview

Conflict Management Blake and Mouton

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
3941 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Conflict Management Blake and Mouton
Abstract
This study presents a review of conflict management approach. It presents the various views and definitions on conflict types of conflict. It further looks at five conflict management styles of Blake and Mouton. In addition, it provides some insight into conflict management from a Malaysian perspective.

Introduction Whether conflict within an organization is viewed as desirable or not, the fact is that conflict exists and is endemic. As human beings interact in organizations, differing values and situations create tension. Conflict is thereby viewed as a situation in which two or more individuals operating within a unit appear to be incompatible. When such conflict is recognized, acknowledged and managed in a proper manner, personal and organizational benefits will accrue. A caring, effective manager uses this situation as an opportunity for growth for both the organization and individuals.
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concept of Blake and Mouton conflict management styles as a tool whereby managers can more effectively manage conflict within their organizations. The concept of Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid provides a useful paradigm for helping individuals in an organization understand themselves and others. An understanding of the grid thereby provides a basis for visualizing personal strengths and weaknesses of individuals, and procedures for dealing with high stress in organizational relationships.

Conflict
Conflict is a perpetual given of life, although varying views of it may be held. Some may view conflict as being a negative situation which must be avoided at any cost. Others may see conflict as being a phenomenon which necessitates management. Still others may consider conflict as being an exciting opportunity for personal growth and so try to use it to his or her best advantage.
Wherever one may fall on this continuum of viewpoints concerning conflict, seldom would one expect to be in a continual state of conflict

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Conflict is something that is inevitable, however it is important as a leader to show how you handle conflict that separates you from being a good or a bad leader. Conflict is a common workplace situation that arises. Because an organization is composed of many different individuals conflicts are seen as being unavoidable. Conflict involves and influences many factors. If there is conflict present in an organization than that can lead to employees attention being focused on the conflict and not focused on their job and their work productivity. Conflict also creates tensions. Conflict can sometimes arise when management is unable to communicate the direction of the company to employees. Conflict will begin as employees are allowed to interpret change within the company in their own way. Groups in conflict tend not to collaborate on new ideas. When conflict goes unresolved it can be difficult to create new ideas the company needs to solve problems it is facing. When conflict management is successful, there are limited negative effects and the company can move forward in a productive manner. When management does not offer conflict resolution, there can be many negative effects on the company. Understanding the negative effects of conflict an organization is…

    • 1048 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Encountering Conflift

    • 471 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Conflict is omnipresent for every individual regardless of time and place. It is a fundamental part of human existence, leading back to the earliest forms of conflict where our human ancestors competed with other species for survival tools such as food and shelter. Nowadays, conflict has developed into multitudinous forms – from merely debating what to have for lunch to global issues such as climate change. Without conflict, our experiences in life would undoubtedly be less dynamic and vibrant. Conflict is an essential factor to shaping our identity. Our relationship with conflict defines who we are because we learn to formulate our own opinions and values. Conflict is a natural element in the world and although we may not notice each and every single time it presents itself, conflict is a part of our everyday lives.…

    • 471 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Secret River

    • 672 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Conflict is constantly occurring in our everyday lives between individuals and groups in society as it is an inevitable factor of human existence. Conflict involves social disagreement, different interests and beliefs. It is possible to even have inner conflict with oneself. Without a clash of individual beliefs and feelings, no one would be capable of the self reflection or self assessment that enables us to work out what we believe in and stand for. Conflict opens up different personalities, perceptions, values and emotions that will ultimately lead to character building.…

    • 672 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Encountering conflict

    • 908 Words
    • 3 Pages

    “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means,” this quote by Ronald Regan shows that conflict is an inevitable part of society. Conflict is a fundamental part of life and is always present for every individual throughout their everyday life. Encountering conflict means to face or handle conflict and the ways in which we go about trying to resolve it. Different types of conflict can be local, national, religious, political, economic or cultural. There are a number of reasons why conflict occurs; difference in beliefs, morals, religion and values, fear and unmatched expectations. Conflict has a number of different causes, consequences and ways it can be resolved.…

    • 908 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Within the realm of conflict management, there are two primary dimensions: assertiveness – which is derived from a concern for others; and competitiveness – which is derived from a concern for self. From these two realms, we find 5 conflict styles which include: avoidance (which is a lose-lose situation for both parties); accommodation (which is a lose-win situation); competition (which is a win-lose); compromise (also a lose – lose situation); and collaboration (which is a win-win situation for both parties).…

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    General Mill Communication

    • 2280 Words
    • 10 Pages

    The effect that conflict has on organizational performance depends on the nature of the conflict and how it’s managed. It is important for conflict to be managed at the appropriate or optimal level. Conflict that is too low can hurt performance and conflict that is too high can threaten organizational survival (Gibson et al., 2009, p. 266). There are five different conflict management styles: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, and…

    • 2280 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Best Essays

    There is a growing body of literature on the benefits of effective conflict management. Healthy conflict is now viewed as a necessary ingredient in organizational success. The ability to deal effectively with conflict is critical to creating productive relationships. Although most people continue to view conflict negatively, it is a necessary ingredient to creativity and results in healthier relationships. There are two kinds of conflict, constructive and destructive. Constructive conflict should be encouraged because it leads to creative thinking and growth. It results in high performing organizations and to enhanced relationships. Destructive conflict should be eliminated or dealt with immediately. It is costly and does not promote positive personal or organizational development. Communication is a key ingredient in conflict resolution. There are various tools available to resolve conflict. They include legal remedies, arbitration as well as mediation. Conflict resolution skills are learned and when applied, result in improved…

    • 2765 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Encountering Conflict

    • 1378 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Conflict presents itself in various forms; it can occur in different places, can be intentional or unexpected and affect people in diverse ways. To survive people then need to develop coping mechanisms to overcome or at least begin their journey of recovery. If they cannot do this, then they will not be able to move on. Conflict is a subject that everyone in the world faces on a day to day basis, but at different levels and emotions. Conflict can be exceptionally heart wrenching, by tearing people and families apart. But these wounds motivate many inspiring people who then make a difference.…

    • 1378 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Conflict is a natural part of the workplace experience; people do not see eye to eye on everything and often dig in and defend their positions. Conflict arises when individuals do not see the world in the same way. The trap we fall into is assuming that conflict is a battle that must be won at all costs rather than viewing the situation as an opportunity to move in a more effective direction. Managers can benefit greatly by understanding that conflict is something that does not go away unless it is resolved. Conflict signals an issue that needs to be addressed.…

    • 852 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Conflict is inevitable as people naturally disagree at times when they interact. Conflict is about disagreement (Beebe & Masterson, 2009, p. 151). Conflict exists when people have different ideas about what is important, as well as different answers for something that requires resolution (Fitzpatrick, 2007). Conflicts may occur as a result of communication breakdown, differences in personalities, power and status struggles, and disagreements on goals. Conflict has traditionally meant failure or a breakdown of relationships. (Fitzpatrick, 2007) Without conflict, groups would have little to discuss to reach a consensus on an idea. Conflict can be productive and unproductive, depending on how it is managed (Fitzpatrick, 2007). It is important to become familiar with one’s own personal conflict management style in order to manage conflict with a win-win approach. Managing conflict through effective communication is a useful skill in building and maintaining satisfying relationships (Wieder-Hatfield, 1981, p. 265).…

    • 1457 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    Choosing Your Battles

    • 1330 Words
    • 4 Pages

    There are many ways to manage the conflict between team members, according to Kinne (2000), we can ensure sufficient discussion between work group if we established a principle for discussion. The conflict can improve decision-making strategy, and the productive teams are the teams who can manage the conflict effectively (Eisenhardt, 1997). According to Thomas (1976), the managers can manage the conflict in the organization if they developed conflict literacy, measured conflict style, build conflict management, and involving top management, as key elements to control the conflict.…

    • 1330 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Conflict in the Workplace

    • 3573 Words
    • 15 Pages

    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.…

    • 3573 Words
    • 15 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Conflict Management Styles

    • 1607 Words
    • 7 Pages

    There are several different styles of conflict which can all be appropriate to use in certain situations. There are 5 conflict management styles that were discussed by Thomas-Kilmann,…

    • 1607 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Conflict & Stress Management

    • 4596 Words
    • 19 Pages

    Conflict is a perception. Surveys show that employees spend as much as 42% of their time engaging in or attempting to resolve conflicts and 20% of managers’ time is taken up by conflict related issues (Gupta, Boyd, Kuzmits, 2011). This valuable time can be utilised in making the organisation a more efficient and an effective one. Organisations which fail to address conflict have the risk of losing their competitive advantage. Conflict can be viewed in many ways and there are different management styles which can deal with conflict. The leadership of the organisation must be involved in dealing with conflict as they would have to negotiate and bargain in order to overcome conflict.…

    • 4596 Words
    • 19 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    “Conflict” word meaning are “battle, Fight, War, Clash”. It is included the organizational differences in opinion and thoughts. Simply stated, it is a situation when interest, needs, goals and values of individuals are interfere with one another in an organization is called a ‘conflict”. Conflict may arise due to changes in difference of opinion and difference of thoughts. Conflict is not a bad thing, but its impacts if not resolved may be bad. However, it may lead to make positive changes in organization.…

    • 1473 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays