Chapter 1 - Conflict Management

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Reasons for conflict

How to handle conflict

3rd party interventions to resolve conflict

Dysfunctional conflict

Advantages of conflict

Functional conflict

Disadvantages of conflict

Conflict

Skills needed to manage conflict

Negative differences of opinion or the varied emotions people experience often due to a dispute over a particular issue

Situation where different parties deal with the conflict in a manner that is healthy and where they respect each others opinions. outcome is positive. May lead to more innovation, creativity and higher productivity

When conflict leads to a decline in productivity. Result of peoples misperceptions, their ambitions, and egos and or willingness to compromise. Misunderstandings and a lack of communication are central to dysfunctional conflict

Creates awareness that there is a problem, which can then be solved.

Climate of mistrust impacts teamwork and cooperation

Ability to deal with change

Team members may start to consider a wider range of ideas, results in increased participation and even higher productivity

Perceptions that may not be accurate are discussed and misconceptions are cleared

Clarification of individuals views occurs and cooperation happens

Blaming each other, backstabbing and gossip

Higher levels of stress and anxiety

Waste of time and resources

Communication skills

Ability to think and act strategically

Poor communication

Change

Differences in background, culture and values

Previously unresolved issues

Limited resources

Different personalities

Leads to:

Training employees

Functional - work faster to share resources

Role conflict - More than 1 member wants to play a certain role

Role ambiguity - Lack of clarity between the roles that members are expected to play

Not meeting deadlines

Role overload - members take on more than they can cope with

Not informing colleagues about meetings

Empowerment to be part of communicating the strategies

Employees need to know what the changes are and why they are changing things

Dysfunctional - Unmotivated and unproductive employees, have to wait for resources

Competition between staff for resources

If employees work together they will achieve the goals of the organisation

Collaborating

Competing

Avoiding

Compromising

Accomodating

Neglect own interest and even sacrifice some own belief when yielding the other persons point of view

Ignores conflict by withdrawing from the situation

Parties try to work together to satisfy all parties involved

Individual does not want to give in - wants to win

Parties are trying to find an acceptable solution to the mutual satisfaction of both parties and seeking a common middle ground

Trade unions and Employer Organisations

Conferderation of Employees in South Africa (COFESA)

Workplace Forums (WPF)

Commission for conciliation, mediation and arbitration (CCMA)

Allows workers of all levels to participate in consensus in decision making with senior management

Business outsourced the HR department to experts who stay up to date with amendments in labour legislation

Helps employers with:

Independent organisation dispute resolution body that promotes cooperation between employees and employers

Issues management should consult WPF

Not allowed to take over the role of a Trade Union

Job grading

Health and safety measures

Training related issues

Disciplinary and grievance procedures

Dispute resolution

Employment contracts

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Step 2 - Conciliation

Step 3 - Mediation

Step 1 - Negotiation

Step 4 - Arbitration

2 parties sit down and try to come to a compromise

Only if negotiation was unsuccessful, 3rd party gets involved to facilitate the discussion

Only if conciliation fails, 3rd party gets more involved and gives advice

If mediation does not solve the problem, the 3rd party makes a decision