There is no single general definition for the concept of “conflict”. In science, there are numerous definitions of conflict, but they all point out the presence of contradiction. The term “conflict” has a universal definition though.
Definition of a Conflict
A collision of opposing interests, positions, or views of two or more people can be called a conflict. American sociologist L. Koser says it’s an ideological phenomena that represents the desires of people to be more powerful. Conflicts are valuable because they prevent the system from ossifying and disguise the road to innovation.
What Factors Influence Conflicts?
Conflicts can be subtle or overt, but they all come from misunderstandings. As a result, we define conflict as a breakdown in communication between people. 80% of disagreements are caused by factors other than the individuals’ desires. Conflictogens are words or acts that contribute to the development of any conflict. They play the most important role in their formation.
Where Do They Come From?
Conflicts don’t come out anywhere. The primary cause is always a collision of views between people. As a result, there is conflict because of different positions.
Types of Conflicts
A conflict of interest is a very common type of conflict that arises due to differences in opinion, views, and positions. Let’s look at examples of this type of conflict. A conflict of interest emerges when people have differing opinions. Let’s look at some instances of this dispute:
1) One friend wants to open a cafe, while the other wants a bar. This is due to a variety of factors, each of which has its own explanation. They have the same money, but they have opposing interests. This is where a task conflict occurs.
2) After school, the kid wants to go to theater school, but his parents prefer economics. This leads to one thing: constructive conflict.
3) A woman wants to visit, while her man wants to visit Turkey because of the excellent beer. Again, there is a conflict as a result of competing interests.
I hope you can tell what kind are those based on these samples. I recommend you to have fun and watch a video of a conflict scenario from the very beginning.
What is a Rivalry?
Rivalry is another sort of conflict. When two or more people apply for the same position a conflict happens. It is better to look at the examples though:
1) Two guys want the same girl. You realize that the conflict is a rivalry and can result in bad circumstances.
2) Two kids like the same toy, so they fight over it.
3) Two guys compete for the same job, so they start talking shit behind each other’s backs. When you aren’t rich, it makes you do many bad things to earn that money.
Rivalry is everywhere in our lives, and confrontations don’t always come from it. The rivalry may bring people together and provide motivation for progress.
Value Conflict Types
Intrapersonal conflict happens when a person’s interests are almost equal in strength yet are oriented in opposite directions. Strong emotional background is always present in this case. For instance, a coworker is chastised for his poor performance and is given a month to increase his efficiency. The same worker claims to do his best and begins a conflict with his boss.
Another example: a manager told an assistant to take care of clients, then criticized him for not going and putting the goods in their place a few days later. This is how an intrapersonal one starts: one person says one thing, while the other claims something else.
Manager and employee conflict is the most common source of interpersonal conflict in the workplace. One employee, for example, didn’t finish his portion of work, which will have an impact on the outcomes. It will affect the entire crew and the functional conflict begins.
When the leader changes, interpersonal conflicts occur and arise as a result of using diverse methods for work. The prior leader’s demands were more realistic, whereas the current one are impossible. It won’t make the relationship better. When people reject new conditions that the “new” boss has created, a conflict is unavoidable.
Intergroup conflict occurs when formal and informal groups face each other. Inter-group disputes bring people together, but once the issue is over, cohesion can fade away as well.
What is the Best Way to Resolve a Conflict?
Now it’s time to discuss strategies for resolving them. The first is to stay away from fighting. Ignore the conflict and act in a peaceful manner. If this doesn’t work, you will have to find alternatives. All you have to do is to execute it correctly. If someone is attempting to persuade you of anything, you can say that you heard it and then discuss another thing. The person won’t fight with you anymore.
Another option is to reach an agreement. This isn’t always possible, but the effort is worth it. Like example: you are fighting because you didn’t share the automobile. You have one, your partner is desperate to have it. I mean, you can agree on who will ride it and when.
Although it works against you, anti-aliasing is a fairly effective approach to not get into conflict. You just tell them that they are right and that’s it. Just stay calm and other person will do too.
What Does Realistic Conflict Theory Tell Us?
The last way is to understand that conflict is normal. During quarrels, a person also develops and reveals his abilities, he becomes bold, feels confident, self-esteem rises, people around him are more respectful. Therefore, sometimes it is not worth avoiding conflicts, but it is better to take part in it, as in a competition. The final option is to accept that conflict is a natural part of life. During fights, a person’s skills are developed, he gets more confident. As a result, it is sometimes not worth avoiding disputes, rather, it is preferable to engage in them.
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