Workplace Conflict Workplace conflict, is a state of discord caused by the actual or perceived opposition of needs, values and interests between people working together. Conflict takes many forms in organizations. There is the inevitable clash between formal authority and power and those individuals and groups affected. There are disputes over how revenues should be divided, how the work should be done, and how long and hard people should work. Do You Want to Lose Profits Through Conflict? Let the Conflicts Begin Conflict in the workplace doesn’t just happen. It’s always the result of something else. Couples get divorced, fights break out on the street; countries go to war. We think there won’t be conflict at the worksite? Fat chance! What ultimately happens will be a testament to how well prepared your organization is for preventing and dealing with workplace conflict. What is Workplace Conflict? Workplace conflict includes any type of conflict which takes place within a workplace or among workers and/or managers, potentially including conflict between employees out of work hours.Conflict could be as simple as two people who won’t talk to each other, to an argument, or the extreme of two or more people getting into a brawl. Workplace conflict can take many forms. It ultimately results from not having any conflict management system in the workplace to address conflicts adequately. Types of workplace conflict: There are many types of conflict in the workplace that you will need to deal with: • • • • •
Interdependence Conflicts. Differences in Style. Differences in Background/Gender. Differences in Leadership. Personality Clashes.
What are some of the Reasons for Conflict? The basis for conflict can reside in cultural differences, social prejudices, personal stress, labor unrest, group power struggles, and processes of workplace change to suggest a few of the reasons. There are many reasons for conflict. To prevent it, is not as simple as saying, “Stop.”
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Ineffective or insufficiently trained management
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Unfair treatment Unclear job roles Poor communications Poor work environment Lack of equal opportunities Bullying and harassment Unresolved problems from the past An increase in workload.
What’s at Risk? Lost productivity and other financial risks are costs of conflict. Reputational risk can also significantly affect the business. Many businesspeople mistake disagreements with conflicts, but disagreements are differences in opinion that could, but don't always, turn into conflict. Handling disagreements and other forms of possible conflict quickly could change the face of your company.But ignoring them might bring the business down in several ways. • • • • •
Decreased Productivity Employee Turnover Divided Teams Poorly Reflected Management Unhealthy Confrontation
What Do I Do To Prevent Workplace Conflict? Preventing or dealing with workplace conflict begins with management wanting a conflict-free workplace so badly they can taste it. The good news is, you don’t have to do the work. Don Swift of Don Swift and Associates can does it for you. Don Swift is the CEO of Don Swift and Associates, a leading human resource consulting firm in Wichita Falls, Texas. Don has years of experience in helping small and medium-sized businesses make money by eliminating conflict in the workplace. He also helps efficiently resolve workplace conflict after it has happened. Don will build a conflict-free workplace for your organization or help you resolve on-going conflicts.Don’t ignore the problem. With Don’s Swift’s conflict management skills, your organization’s future can make money from a conflict-free workplace. 2207 Brook Ave, Suite B. Wichita Falls, Texas Phone: 940-228-0550 Email: don@donswiftandassociates.com