Question

Describe a time when you have experienced or observed conflict in the workplace. Then, discuss the reason the conflict existed, whether the conflict was functional or dysfunctional, and how it was resolved? What was the outcome? support your reason using relevant information?

Answer 1

When an individual works in any organizational setting, there will be times when there will be a conflict among the people. I have experienced a time when I was supposed to work with one of my colleagues on a task. It was difficult for me to work with my colleague as he was trying to enforce his thoughts on me. Initially there was a verbal duel between us, regarding the division of work. My colleague was not at all budging from his perspective. Later on, I resolved this conflict by approaching the situation in a collaborative manner.

The conflict is defined as any situation which ends in a deadlock and occurs generally when there is a clash of interest, goals and values of either two persons or in a group of people.

There are five techniques for conflict resolution. These are- competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding and accommodating. Each technique is unique and can be used in a situation specific manner.

I could resolve my conflict as I became instrumental in making the other person realize that conflict will not lead to any solution. If we both collaborate with each other, share the work load and responsibility according to our abilities and expertise, then we may achieve the best out of the situation.

Finally, after a lot of pestering my colleague realized what was being said and we collaborated and could complete the task on time. Collaboration is generally termed as a win-win situation for all the conflicting parties. It includes identifying the underlying concerns of the opponents and finding an alternative which meets each party's concerns.

Overall, I would say that this conflict was functional in nature as it helped me to identify the abilities of my colleague and what he is best at doing. In future, I would like to work with my colleague, if given an opportunity.