ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > November > 19
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Can conflict at work be a good thing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A recent study by CPP, Inc. may surprise many workers. The results suggest that workplace conflict may not always be a negative distraction, but can actually be linked to innovation and increased performance.
In the U.S., workers on average spent 2.8 hours per week dealing with workplace conflicts. Of those, 81 percent of workers report having seen positive outcomes from workplace conflict. Nearly half of those surveyed said they ended up with a better understanding of others, while around a third report improved working relationships and found better solutions to problems. Around one in ten saw a major innovation result from a conflict, while almost a quarter saw improved team performance.
According to the study, conflict management training provided the crucial link to positive outcomes with workplace conflict. That being said, the majority of survey participants stated they have received no training in conflict management.
Do you think workplace conflict can be a good thing? What do you think about conflict management training - is it important or a waste of time?
