Managing conflicts at the workplace for positive working environment
Workplace conflicts are unavoidable as employees from differing backgrounds and working styles are combined for a common, shared organizational goal. Conflict can be seen in many ways such as insults, noncooperation, bullying, and anger.
This
may create a negative impact on the organization which may include,
Work disruptions
Less productivity
Failure to achieve goals
Absenteeism
Reduce turnover
Termination
Emotional stress
According
to Armstrong there are three principal ways to resolve workplace conflicts.
01. Peaceful coexistence
Aim is this concept to encourage employees to work together by exchanging values, views, and insight, with improved communication.
02.Compromise
This
concept tries to manage conflicts through negotiation and bargaining. In this
situation, neither party wins or loses.
03.Problem solving
This concept tries to manage conflicts by finding a genuine solution rather than considering different points of view.
HR team has more responsibility to develop a conflicts management system. Wang and Wu (2020) introduce below model as effective approach to manage conflicts in workplace.
The benefits of conflict resolution
Why is conflict
resolution important ?”, Imm, 2022 outlined a number of reasons to answer
this question.
Building Relationships
Arguments
that go unsolved can frequently harm relationships, both personal and
professional. The main benefit of conflict resolution is the result in
high-functioning and more happy relationships.
Goal Achievement
When
conflicts arise in the workplace, productivity may go down, resolving conflicts
on time can lead to higher efficiency and goal achievement for the organization.
Enhancing Commitment
Conflict
resolution may bring people together. This is a sign of commitment and
emotional attachment.
Generating New Insight
When employees have different perspectives, will lead to new ideas, innovations and new ways to solve conflicts.
Since
conflicts are unavoidable, necessary actions need to be taken at an early stage
to avoid negative impacts on the same. HR managers have more responsibility
towards creating policies and procedures to manage conflicts in the workplace.
In global context, we can see that HR professionals have been involved to
manage conflicts by Providing training on how to communicate respectfully, and
how to build positive work culture for employees to work. Most companies have
allocated well-trained HR professionals to handle conflicts.
In Sri Lankan context conflicts management needs to improve within an organization by responding on time, giving values to employee thought and ideas, involving them in decision making, and respecting employee right may work better.
References:
Armstrong,
M. and Taylor, S. (2014) Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management
Practice. 13th edn. London: Kogan Page publishers.
Imm, J. (2022). Why is Conflict Resolution
Important?, North central college 1861, Available at : https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/news/2022/09/13/why-conflict-resolution-important#:~:text=Proper%20conflict%20resolution%20skills%20are,both%20professional%20and%20personal%20realms.
(Accessed on 08.04.2023)
Wang,
N., & Wu, G. (2020). A Systematic Approach to Effective Conflict Management
for Program. SAGE Open, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019899055
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ReplyDeleteDear Asanka ,
ReplyDeleteGood article. please link citation part following academic writing styles.
& also please add conclusion part to your article.
some point add here your reference.
It is important for employers and employees to recognize and address conflicts as soon as possible, to prevent them from escalating and causing further damage. Effective communication, active listening, and finding common ground are key strategies that can be used to resolve conflicts.
Employers can also implement conflict resolution training and create policies and procedures that promote a positive workplace culture, encourage respectful behavior, and provide a safe and supportive environment for employees to voice their concerns.
In conclusion, conflicts at the workplace can be disruptive and damaging, but with the right approach and effort, they can be effectively resolved, and a more harmonious and productive workplace can be created.
You have clearly stated the benefits of managing conflicts in organizations, and by reading this, we can get more ideas in a shorter time period.
ReplyDeleteHuman resources managers have more responsibility for managing conflicts and creating a good work environment in organizations.
This helps to have more satisfied employees and to retain them with the organization. Well done Asanka.
Good Article, Managing conflicts is the most important strategy for creating better work place to employees. As a result of there are more benefits able to feel for the organization. Increase employee productivity, motivate for new ideas and innovations, increase employee efficiency and so on.
ReplyDeleteThe covid-19, I've seen a lot of tension in a company, and We frequently attempt to avoid conflict. It is frequently perceived as confrontational, annoying, unpleasant, "win or lose" in terms of results, and negative. In light of this, what does it imply when conflict is deemed "positive"?
ReplyDeleteConflict that was positive did not necessarily indicate that it was a nice conflict; rather, it meant that it produced a good outcome. Conflict that is productive is positive conflict. It generates fresh concepts, addresses ongoing issues, gives individuals and groups the chance to develop their talents, and encourages creativity. A creative breakthrough can happen when competing viewpoints are investigated. "Groupthink," which hampers creativity, results from a lack of confrontation.
Well Done !
Good article. Managing conflicts in the workplace is essential for a positive work environment, productivity, and team morale. By encouraging open communication, focusing on the problem, and fostering a positive work culture, conflicts can be resolved effectively, leading to a more productive and cohesive team.
ReplyDeleteWell done.