Understanding a Conflict

Understanding a Conflict

It is also important for the individuals to understand the underlying differences that
distinguish the concepts of conflict resolution, conflict management, and conflict
prevention.
1. Conflict Resolution means eliminating the conflict by arriving at a mutually
beneficial outcome. In other words, conflict resolution refers to the resolution of
the underlying causes of conflict and mutual acceptance of each of the contending
parties.
2. Conflict Management means limitation or mitigation of a conflict, without
necessarily solving it, so that the work process is not disrupted.
3. Conflict Prevention implies anticipation of a possible conflict and taking
measures beforehand to ensure that the conflict does not arise.

When conflict is understood, it is easier to find ways to predict it, prevent it, transform
it and resolve it.individuals must consider the work environment and anticipate possible
conflicts that are likely to arise in the workplace to take timely corrective actions
beforehand and to transform these conflict situations into opportunities for positive
outcomes. They should ask themselves and reflect on:

• What are the key sources and areas of conflict in the workplace?
• When do they generally tend to occur?
• How do people respond to the conflicts as they arise?
• Are there certain factors in the environment that make problems worse,
especially at times of conflict?
• Does the office provide channels for expressing normal problems and concerns?
When they solve problems, do they do so for the moment, or do they put in place
systems for addressing these types of problems if they recur?

Understanding a Conflict

Understanding a Conflict

What is a conflict? A conflict is the expression of disagreement between individuals or
groups that differ in attitudes, beliefs, values or needs, through which the parties involved
perceive a threat to their needs, interests or concerns. It can also originate from past
rivalries and personality differences. Other causes of conflict include trying to negotiate
before the timing is right or at a time before the needed information is available.

From the above definition, it is obvious that a conflict has the following components:

• A conflict is more than just a disagreement. It is a situation in which people
perceive a threat (physical, emotional, power, status, etc.) to their well-being

• A conflict is caused by the differences and clash of personalities – attitudes,
beliefs, values, and needs.

• A conflict arises when people try to make others change their actions or to gain
an unfair advantage.

• A conflict arises when one party refuses to accept the fact that the other party
holds something as a value rather than a preference.

• Participants in conflicts tend to respond on the basis of their perceptions of the
situation, rather than an objective review of it.

• Creative problem-solving strategies are essential to positive approaches to
conflict management.