Conflict in the Workplace

Conflicts in the workplace are common. They exist in every organization and to a certain extent indicate a healthy exchange of ideas and creativity. Research studies have indicated that conflict is a doubled-edged sword, since it has several benefits, yet has the potential to cause severe problems in an organization. However, counter-productive conflict can result in employee dissatisfaction, reduced productivity, poor service to clients, absenteeism and increased employee turnover, increased work-related stress, or in the worst case scenario, litigation based on claims of harassment or a hostile work environment. As a supervisor, it is important to be able to identify and understand the varying levels of conflicts and how these levels are manifested in different ways.