Types Of Workplace Conflict And The Styles Of Management

Abstract This paper explores published information on types of workplace conflict and the styles of management to address the conflict. Articles discussing how the particular style used can affect stress in the workplace. Eight interviews were conducted in which subjects were asked to rate the amount of stress they experience, the type of conflict that is experienced, and their preferred method of conflict management. The data collected agrees with the published articles showing that the preferred method of dealing with conflict does have an effect on the amount of stress that is experienced by individuals in the workplace. Those favoring a compromising or collaborative approach experience the least amount of stress, while those†¦show more content†¦Literature Review Conflict and the Effects Conflict can be defined as a struggle between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values, or goals (Understanding Conflict and Conflict Management). When conflict occurs in the workplace, it can reduce moral, lower productivity, increase absenteeism, and can ultimately lead to serious or violent crimes (Gatlin, Wysocki, Kepner, 2002). Studies show that managers spend at least 25% of their time resolving workplace conflict (Gatlin, Wysocki, Kepner, 2002). Productivity of managers and employees are affected by the amount of conflict they experience on a day to day basis. How much people are affected by different conflicts can be dependent on their personal conflict style. Each individual personality will handle a given situation in a different way. Sources of Conflict The first step to addressing any conflict is defining what the actual conflict is. The range of a conflict can be something very minor to a large conflict that affects an entire department or the whole workplace. It is important to understand and be able to identify the different levels of conflict and how they may manifest in order to manage people (Workplaces that Work). Conflict is a predictable part of human relationships and will occur in every workplace (Workplaces that Work). The most basic of conflicts in the workplace is having conflicting needs (Gatlin, Wysocki, Kepner, 2002). The conflict of needs is produced by