Question

Case Four   Conflict Management

You have recently been promoted to a Manager that looks after two different teams of direct reports. The outgoing manager provided you with some insights about the various team members of both teams and made a point to mention that both teams work very differently from each other.

Specifically, Team A members were constantly sniping and undermining each other at both team meetings and in one on one interactions. The results that Team A produced were less than stellar.

However, Team B, which definitely disagreed with each other and had differing opinions and perspectives tended to get along well and generally produced superior work.

Question:

1. Briefly explain the difference between process and relationship conflict.
2. Explain three possible underlying reasons why Team B may be experiencing relationship conflict and thee actions that the manager could take to help minimize relationship conflict as well as promote process conflict with Team B.

Answer 1

Ans1 difference between process and relationship conflict-

Process conflicts generally occur when there is a clash in strategies, policies and procedures in team or group. It is a disagreement over the procedures the team should used use for completing its tasks or projects.

Relationship conflicts occur when there is clash of opinions or personalities between people. For example you may have a conflict with your room mate because he keeps the room very messes and you keep a very clean room or workplace and this can irritates you and can creates tension in the room.

Ans2 Reasons for team B which is experiencing relationship conflicts are as follows-

1. Each team member has its own way of solving problem or incompatible work styles

2. Had differing opinions

3. They do not want to understand other’s point of view or way of doing work

Actions that manager could take to minimize relationship conflict and promote process conflict-

1. Manager should play a role of mediator

2. Clarify priorities

3. Encourage better communication skills

4. Teach team members to actively listen to other’s opinion and discuss what you like about that idea and what not

5. Listen to them and analyze when conflicts occurs or observe them carefully

6. Provide conflict resolution training to team members

7. Implement team building activities

8. Establish different strategies and policies for team