{"id":971,"date":"2022-07-22T13:47:22","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T13:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/chapter\/10-2-causes-of-workplace-conflict\/"},"modified":"2023-06-07T20:58:24","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T20:58:24","slug":"10-2-causes-of-workplace-conflict","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/chapter\/10-2-causes-of-workplace-conflict\/","title":{"raw":"Causes of Workplace Conflict","rendered":"Causes of Workplace Conflict"},"content":{"raw":"<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">There are many potential root causes of conflict at work. We will go over six of them here. Remember, anything that leads to a disagreement can be a cause of conflict. Although conflict is common in organizations, some organizations have more than others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_f01\" class=\"figure large editable block\">\r\n<p class=\"title\">Potential Causes of Conflict<\/p>\r\n<img src=\"https:\/\/saylordotorg.github.io\/text_organizational-behavior-v1.1\/section_14\/b69cf8dd9723564ea2e8a7189e670082.jpg\" \/>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"title editable block\">Causes of Conflict<\/h2>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Organizational Structure<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Conflict tends to take different forms, depending on the organizational structure (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_011\" class=\"footnote\">Jaffe, 2000). <\/span>For example, if a company uses a matrix structure as its organizational form, it will have decisional conflict built in, because the structure specifies that each manager reports to two bosses. Global company ABB Inc. is organized around a matrix structure based on the dimensions of country and industry. This structure can lead to confusion as the company is divided geographically into 1,200 different units and by industry into 50 different units (T<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_012\" class=\"footnote\">aylor, 1991).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Limited Resources<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Resources such as money, time, and equipment are often scarce. Competition among people or departments for limited resources is a frequent cause of conflict. For example, cutting-edge laptops and gadgets such as a tablet or smartphone are expensive resources that may be allocated to employees on a need-to-have basis in some companies. When a group of employees have access to such resources while others do not, conflict may arise among employees or between employees and management. While technical employees may feel that these devices are crucial to their productivity, employees with customer contact such as sales representatives may make the point that these devices are important for them to make a good impression on clients. Because important resources are often limited, this is one source of conflict many companies have to live with.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s03\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Task Interdependence<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s03_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Another cause of conflict is task interdependence; that is, when accomplishment of your goal requires reliance on others to perform their tasks. For example, if you are tasked with creating advertising for your product, you are dependent on the creative team to design the words and layout, the photographer or videographer to create the visuals, the media buyer to purchase the advertising space, and so on. The completion of your goal (airing or publishing your ad) is dependent on others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s04\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Incompatible Goals<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s04_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Sometimes conflict arises when two parties think that their goals are mutually exclusive. Within an organization, incompatible goals often arise because of the different ways department managers are compensated. For example, a sales manager\u2019s bonus may be tied to how many sales are made for the company. As a result, the individual might be tempted to offer customers \u201cfreebies\u201d such as expedited delivery in order to make the sale. In contrast, a transportation manager\u2019s compensation may be based on how much money the company saves on transit. In this case, the goal might be to eliminate expedited delivery because it adds expense. The two will butt heads until the company resolves the conflict by changing the compensation scheme. For example, if the company assigns the bonus based on profitability of a sale, not just the dollar amount, the cost of the expediting would be subtracted from the value of the sale. It might still make sense to expedite the order if the sale is large enough, in which case both parties would support it. On the other hand, if the expediting negates the value of the sale, neither party would be in favor of the added expense.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s05\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Personality Differences<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s05_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Personality differences among coworkers are common. By understanding some fundamental differences in the way people think and act, we can better understand how others see the world. Knowing that these differences are natural and normal lets us anticipate and mitigate interpersonal conflict\u2014it is often not about \u201cyou\u201d but simply a different way of seeing and behaving. For example, Type A individuals have been found to have more conflicts with their coworkers than Type B individuals (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_013\" class=\"footnote\">Baron, 1989).<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s06\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Communication Problems<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s06_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Sometimes conflict arises simply out of a small, unintentional communication problem, such as lost e-mails or dealing with people who do not return phone calls. Giving feedback is also a case in which the best intentions can quickly escalate into a conflict situation. When communicating, be sure to focus on behavior and its effects, not on the person. For example, say that Jeff always arrives late to all your meetings. You think he has a bad attitude, but you do not really know what Jeff\u2019s attitude is. You do know, however, the effect that Jeff\u2019s behavior has on you. You could say, \u201cJeff, when you come late to the meeting, I feel like my time is wasted.\u201d Jeff cannot argue with that statement, because it is a fact of the impact of his behavior on you. It\u2019s indisputable because it is your reality. What Jeff can say is that he did not intend such an effect, and then you can have a discussion regarding the behavior.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s06_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">In another example, the Hershey Company was engaged in talks behind closed doors with Cadbury Schweppes about a possible merger. No information about this deal was shared with Hershey\u2019s major stakeholder, the Hershey Trust. When Robert Vowler, CEO of the Hershey Trust, discovered that talks were underway without anyone consulting the Trust, tensions between the major stakeholders began to rise. As Hershey\u2019s continued to underperform, steps were taken in what is now called the \u201cSunday night massacre,\u201d in which several board members were forced to resign and Richard Lenny, Hershey\u2019s then-current CEO, retired (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_014\" class=\"footnote\">Jargon, Karnitschnig, &amp; Lublin, 2008). <\/span>This example shows how a lack of communication can lead to an escalation of conflict. Time will tell what the lasting effects of this conflict will be, but in the short term, effective communication will be the key. Now, let\u2019s turn our attention to the outcomes of conflict.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Outcomes of Conflict<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">One of the most common outcomes of conflict is that it upsets parties in the short run (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_015\" class=\"footnote\">Bergman &amp; Volkema, 1989). Understanding and managing interpersonal conflict at work: Its issues, interactive processes and consequences (Kolb &amp; Kolb, 1991.). <\/span>However, conflict can have both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, conflict can result in greater creativity or better decisions. For example, as a result of a disagreement over a policy, a manager may learn from an employee that newer technologies help solve problems in an unanticipated new way.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">Positive outcomes include the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_l01\" class=\"itemizedlist editable block\">\r\n \t<li>Consideration of a broader range of ideas, resulting in a better, stronger idea<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Surfacing of assumptions that may be inaccurate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increased participation and creativity<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Clarification of individual views that build learning<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">On the other hand, conflict can be dysfunctional if it is excessive or involves personal attacks or underhanded tactics.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">Examples of negative outcomes include the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_l02\" class=\"itemizedlist editable block\">\r\n \t<li>Increased stress and anxiety among individuals, which decreases productivity and satisfaction<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Feelings of being defeated and demeaned, which lowers individuals\u2019 morale and may increase turnover<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A climate of mistrust, which hinders the teamwork and cooperation necessary to get work done<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p06\" class=\"para editable block\">Given these negative outcomes, how can conflict be managed so that it does not become dysfunctional or even dangerous? We\u2019ll explore this in the next section.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_n02\" class=\"key_takeaways editable block\">\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">KEY TAKEAWAY<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p07\" class=\"para\">Conflict has many causes, including organizational structures, limitations on resources, task interdependence, goal incompatibility, personality differences, and communication challenges. Outcomes of well-managed conflict include increased participation and creativity, while negatives of poorly-managed conflict include increased stress and anxiety. Jobs that deal with people are at higher risk for conflict.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">There are many potential root causes of conflict at work. We will go over six of them here. Remember, anything that leads to a disagreement can be a cause of conflict. Although conflict is common in organizations, some organizations have more than others.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_f01\" class=\"figure large editable block\">\n<p class=\"title\">Potential Causes of Conflict<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/saylordotorg.github.io\/text_organizational-behavior-v1.1\/section_14\/b69cf8dd9723564ea2e8a7189e670082.jpg\" alt=\"image\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h2 class=\"title editable block\">Causes of Conflict<\/h2>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Organizational Structure<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Conflict tends to take different forms, depending on the organizational structure (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_011\" class=\"footnote\">Jaffe, 2000). <\/span>For example, if a company uses a matrix structure as its organizational form, it will have decisional conflict built in, because the structure specifies that each manager reports to two bosses. Global company ABB Inc. is organized around a matrix structure based on the dimensions of country and industry. This structure can lead to confusion as the company is divided geographically into 1,200 different units and by industry into 50 different units (T<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_012\" class=\"footnote\">aylor, 1991).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Limited Resources<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Resources such as money, time, and equipment are often scarce. Competition among people or departments for limited resources is a frequent cause of conflict. For example, cutting-edge laptops and gadgets such as a tablet or smartphone are expensive resources that may be allocated to employees on a need-to-have basis in some companies. When a group of employees have access to such resources while others do not, conflict may arise among employees or between employees and management. While technical employees may feel that these devices are crucial to their productivity, employees with customer contact such as sales representatives may make the point that these devices are important for them to make a good impression on clients. Because important resources are often limited, this is one source of conflict many companies have to live with.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s03\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Task Interdependence<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s03_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Another cause of conflict is task interdependence; that is, when accomplishment of your goal requires reliance on others to perform their tasks. For example, if you are tasked with creating advertising for your product, you are dependent on the creative team to design the words and layout, the photographer or videographer to create the visuals, the media buyer to purchase the advertising space, and so on. The completion of your goal (airing or publishing your ad) is dependent on others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s04\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Incompatible Goals<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s04_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Sometimes conflict arises when two parties think that their goals are mutually exclusive. Within an organization, incompatible goals often arise because of the different ways department managers are compensated. For example, a sales manager\u2019s bonus may be tied to how many sales are made for the company. As a result, the individual might be tempted to offer customers \u201cfreebies\u201d such as expedited delivery in order to make the sale. In contrast, a transportation manager\u2019s compensation may be based on how much money the company saves on transit. In this case, the goal might be to eliminate expedited delivery because it adds expense. The two will butt heads until the company resolves the conflict by changing the compensation scheme. For example, if the company assigns the bonus based on profitability of a sale, not just the dollar amount, the cost of the expediting would be subtracted from the value of the sale. It might still make sense to expedite the order if the sale is large enough, in which case both parties would support it. On the other hand, if the expediting negates the value of the sale, neither party would be in favor of the added expense.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s05\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Personality Differences<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s05_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Personality differences among coworkers are common. By understanding some fundamental differences in the way people think and act, we can better understand how others see the world. Knowing that these differences are natural and normal lets us anticipate and mitigate interpersonal conflict\u2014it is often not about \u201cyou\u201d but simply a different way of seeing and behaving. For example, Type A individuals have been found to have more conflicts with their coworkers than Type B individuals (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_013\" class=\"footnote\">Baron, 1989).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s06\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Communication Problems<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s06_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Sometimes conflict arises simply out of a small, unintentional communication problem, such as lost e-mails or dealing with people who do not return phone calls. Giving feedback is also a case in which the best intentions can quickly escalate into a conflict situation. When communicating, be sure to focus on behavior and its effects, not on the person. For example, say that Jeff always arrives late to all your meetings. You think he has a bad attitude, but you do not really know what Jeff\u2019s attitude is. You do know, however, the effect that Jeff\u2019s behavior has on you. You could say, \u201cJeff, when you come late to the meeting, I feel like my time is wasted.\u201d Jeff cannot argue with that statement, because it is a fact of the impact of his behavior on you. It\u2019s indisputable because it is your reality. What Jeff can say is that he did not intend such an effect, and then you can have a discussion regarding the behavior.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s01_s06_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">In another example, the Hershey Company was engaged in talks behind closed doors with Cadbury Schweppes about a possible merger. No information about this deal was shared with Hershey\u2019s major stakeholder, the Hershey Trust. When Robert Vowler, CEO of the Hershey Trust, discovered that talks were underway without anyone consulting the Trust, tensions between the major stakeholders began to rise. As Hershey\u2019s continued to underperform, steps were taken in what is now called the \u201cSunday night massacre,\u201d in which several board members were forced to resign and Richard Lenny, Hershey\u2019s then-current CEO, retired (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_014\" class=\"footnote\">Jargon, Karnitschnig, &amp; Lublin, 2008). <\/span>This example shows how a lack of communication can lead to an escalation of conflict. Time will tell what the lasting effects of this conflict will be, but in the short term, effective communication will be the key. Now, let\u2019s turn our attention to the outcomes of conflict.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h3 class=\"title editable block\">Outcomes of Conflict<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">One of the most common outcomes of conflict is that it upsets parties in the short run (<span id=\"fwk-bauer-fn10_015\" class=\"footnote\">Bergman &amp; Volkema, 1989). Understanding and managing interpersonal conflict at work: Its issues, interactive processes and consequences (Kolb &amp; Kolb, 1991.). <\/span>However, conflict can have both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, conflict can result in greater creativity or better decisions. For example, as a result of a disagreement over a policy, a manager may learn from an employee that newer technologies help solve problems in an unanticipated new way.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">Positive outcomes include the following:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_l01\" class=\"itemizedlist editable block\">\n<li>Consideration of a broader range of ideas, resulting in a better, stronger idea<\/li>\n<li>Surfacing of assumptions that may be inaccurate<\/li>\n<li>Increased participation and creativity<\/li>\n<li>Clarification of individual views that build learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">On the other hand, conflict can be dysfunctional if it is excessive or involves personal attacks or underhanded tactics.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">Examples of negative outcomes include the following:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_l02\" class=\"itemizedlist editable block\">\n<li>Increased stress and anxiety among individuals, which decreases productivity and satisfaction<\/li>\n<li>Feelings of being defeated and demeaned, which lowers individuals\u2019 morale and may increase turnover<\/li>\n<li>A climate of mistrust, which hinders the teamwork and cooperation necessary to get work done<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p06\" class=\"para editable block\">Given these negative outcomes, how can conflict be managed so that it does not become dysfunctional or even dangerous? We\u2019ll explore this in the next section.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_n02\" class=\"key_takeaways editable block\">\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">KEY TAKEAWAY<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fwk-122425-ch10_s02_s02_p07\" class=\"para\">Conflict has many causes, including organizational structures, limitations on resources, task interdependence, goal incompatibility, personality differences, and communication challenges. Outcomes of well-managed conflict include increased participation and creativity, while negatives of poorly-managed conflict include increased stress and anxiety. Jobs that deal with people are at higher risk for conflict.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["rose-helens-hart","rachel-dolechek"],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[48],"contributor":[75,74],"license":[56],"class_list":["post-971","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless","contributor-rachel-dolechek","contributor-rose-helens-hart","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":678,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/971","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/971\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1049,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/971\/revisions\/1049"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/678"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/971\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=971"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=971"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/man4030-org-leadership\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}