Effects of Conflict in Business
Ryan Hopkins
9/14/09
The Effects of Conflict in Business In every realm of society, conflict is present. From time to time, people have disagreements among family members and friends and often co-workers can create problematic issues of arguing and bickering over areas of passionate disagreement. Whether the topic is one of importance that must discussed for the overall good of the company, or even a petty squabble that two co-workers may have because of small annoyances or irrelevant frustrations which just waste time and effort, they all exist in every company, and they must be dealt with. As to whether conflicts are good or bad in the business place, there is no straight answer to this important question, because it is vital “To sustain their ability to implement strategic decisions, top management teams must maintain positive affective relationships among their members” (Amason), and some disputes and disagreements among a group of people making decisions can be helpful and beneficial to the decision making process, while some disagreements that are on a personal level or dysfunctional relationships in a workplace can often cause an inefficient and problematic workplace that needs to solved in order for the company to move forward; otherwise, the company will either stay where they are at or possible even fall behind, and neither scenarios are desired for companies and businesses. It is considered in the workplace that “Decision quality, consensus and effective Hopkins, 2 acceptance cannot peacefully coexist” (Amason) simply because of our human nature fights and disagreements are bound to happen. Although many people will firmly believe that all conflict inside of any business or corporation is bad, and they will have extremely negative effects on the business, but great ideas and powerful motivation can come about through conflict. One great example of a conflict that can be exceptionally beneficial to the well-being of a corporation
9/14/09
The Effects of Conflict in Business In every realm of society, conflict is present. From time to time, people have disagreements among family members and friends and often co-workers can create problematic issues of arguing and bickering over areas of passionate disagreement. Whether the topic is one of importance that must discussed for the overall good of the company, or even a petty squabble that two co-workers may have because of small annoyances or irrelevant frustrations which just waste time and effort, they all exist in every company, and they must be dealt with. As to whether conflicts are good or bad in the business place, there is no straight answer to this important question, because it is vital “To sustain their ability to implement strategic decisions, top management teams must maintain positive affective relationships among their members” (Amason), and some disputes and disagreements among a group of people making decisions can be helpful and beneficial to the decision making process, while some disagreements that are on a personal level or dysfunctional relationships in a workplace can often cause an inefficient and problematic workplace that needs to solved in order for the company to move forward; otherwise, the company will either stay where they are at or possible even fall behind, and neither scenarios are desired for companies and businesses. It is considered in the workplace that “Decision quality, consensus and effective Hopkins, 2 acceptance cannot peacefully coexist” (Amason) simply because of our human nature fights and disagreements are bound to happen. Although many people will firmly believe that all conflict inside of any business or corporation is bad, and they will have extremely negative effects on the business, but great ideas and powerful motivation can come about through conflict. One great example of a conflict that can be exceptionally beneficial to the well-being of a corporation
Cited: Amason, Allen. "Distinguishing the effects of functional and dysfunctional conflict." The Academy of Management Journa; (1981): 123. Walton, Richard. "A Model and Review." The Management of Interdepartmental Conflict (1969): 2-3.