In: Operations Management
If we had the chance to remove conflict completely from a group situation, it might not necessarily be the best idea. While the consideration is placed on being able to maintain the synergy and focus of the group, conflict creates the necessary factor of open-mindedness, something necessary to prevent the more serious issue of groupthink where individuals just conform to the decisions of the group, not voicing their opinions due to the fear of being singled out. While it would make it easier and more straightforward for the team to work efficiently, the factor of chaos, especially when used sparingly and introduced in a controlled manner allows new thinking methodologies to be adopted or appreciated. Disagreements are good, in fact, not always agreeing on everything is what makes the process of collaboration worthwhile. A straightforward project or task would be better achieved through a strict hierarchy and control while innovation would require a more playful approach to reach an optimal outcome.
Conflict lets individuals release their questions, voicing their
concerns, and open up the group to new possibilities, alternatives,
and payoffs that might be useful considering the given situation
they might be faced with. Conflict also teaches the group the
factor of accountability. Being accountable is one of the best
traits a company can hope to achieve through its teams and
therefore, building better relationships becomes possible by
addressing the shortcomings and working towards improving them
sincerely.
Conflict teaches mutuality, something every team needs, especially
in a high-stress situation, if the ideas an individual has can
potentially make a risk more recoverable, more contingent or less
destructive, it would benefit the group if it was voiced
forward.
Conflict also beats the stagnation of ideas. A company might be in the habit of following a similar outlook and procedures for every task that comes to them, companies that teach its teams to approach conflict with an open mind can even turn a bad situation into a worthwhile pursuit.