Conflict Resolution

Managing conflicts, in organizations, is important, because conflicts can have an impact on the job performance. According to Felice Williams, “This more contemporary definition of conflict focused on three key characteristics: interaction, interdependence, and incompatible goals. These three characteristics are key to interpersonal conflict; they underscore the essence of conflict dynamics since they are considered to be an integral source of conflict (2010, p. 150). Williams identifies that there are behaviors that are related to “conflict and associated with differences in performance” and that further studies are required to identify these behaviors (p.158).

A conflict that is often seen in the work place is the work-family conflict (WFC).

According to Azize Ergeneli the  “WFC occurs when an individual has to perform multiple roles such as worker, spouse and, in many cases, parent, because each of these roles requires time, energy and commitment. In turn, the total demands of these roles result in two types of strain: overload and interference” (2010, p.680). An individual might become overwhelmed when they are required to perform multiple demands at work and at home. These demands outside of work can impact the performance at work. An example given in the article is that “Working women do not only have duties related to their work, like most men, but also have many family responsibilities that overload them” (2010, p. 692). If a Leader has an employee that is a hard worker, but they are struggling it might be wise for them to speak to the individual about the problems – with a view to making adjustments that will increase or improve work performance (i.e. by providing facilities; such as day care centers, flextime and job sharing if possible).

References

Ergeneli, A., Ilsev, A., & Karapınar, P. (2010). Work-family Conflict and Job Satisfaction Relationship: The Roles of Gender and Interpretive Habits Gender, Work And Organization Work-Family Conflict And Job Satisfaction. Gender, Work & Organization, 17(6), 679-695. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0432.2009.00487.x

Williams, F. (2011). Interpersonal Conflict: The Importance of Clarifying Manifest Conflict Behavior. International Journal Of Business, Humanities & Technology, 1(3), 148-160.