ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > November > 19 > Entry
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?
Comments
By Donna
November 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Workplace conflict can be a good thing if understood and responded to appropriately. Working relationships and problem solving likely improved in those situations where people were encouraged to deal openly with the conflict (and/or had various processes in their respective workplaces well designed to handle conflicts). A workforce properly trained in conflict management and conflict resolution understands the dynamics of conflict, the source of many conflicts, and that diverse perspectives emerge that can be learned from. In those situations, people can consider ways to work collaboratively improve communication to resolve the conflict they face and those that may arise in the future (spoken like a true conflict trainer and coach eh?)
By Blue Devil
November 19, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Workplace conflict rarely ends well. In my recent experience, a routine project that spans multiple departments was mishandled. In true corporate American fashion, fingers were pointed, claims were made, but I felt that I was guilt free on this one. My colleague took the opportunity to throw me under the bus to absolve himself of his own mistake….a simple acknowledgment of his error would have ended the whole conflict.
I ended up taking the fall on this one so I decided to sabotage him on the next similar project and he was terminated after having held the position for almost 10 years. You mess with the bull, you’re gonna get the horns
By For States rights
November 19, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Way to go Blue Devil. Now this person is out of work just in time for the holidays. I bet you have a great sense of accompolishment. WOW…I got someone fired. Just remember Spanky, what come round goes round. I take the blame for failure by my staff every time it occurs, however I see to it the the praise for success is heaped upon the ones causing the project to succeed. By the way most of my staff have been with me 14+ years. How about you????? It is attitudes like yours that cause companies to fail and you along with them. Why don’t you let us know what company you work for so we can avoid you and your selfish, self centered egotistical self.
By Me
November 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
IF the conflict is handled well and appropriately, it can be a learning experience, but most of the time, there’s favoritism and office politics involved and that’s never conducive to a productive environment or to an opportunity to learn.
By Juanita J
November 19, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Workplace conflict is terrible. Some people thrive on drama. It makes for an uncomfortable, sometimes hostile environment. I would rather be at peace with my co-workers and we all work as a team. Yes, there will be disagreements, but we have to agree to disagree. Keep the confict out, and everybody will be more productive (except for those who can’t live without causing trouble and keeping it going)
I like Peace.
jj
By Vet Dude
December 5, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Conflict is always good if used correctly. It stimulates idea creation, solution direction, and positive productive results. If used as a totally objective source of energy it works all the time in the work place. Effective managers use it to channel ideas and solutions from all employee levels. Learn to use conflict to stir ideas and not resentment and negativity. You’ll realize results. Nuff said.