Handling conflict in the workplace

The textbook definition of conflict is “a situation where two or more people experience an incompatibility of perceptions, feelings and actions regarding interests, values and goals.” The reality behind office conflict involves a host of fears, behavior patterns and financial pressures, which can complicate a simple misunderstanding. For several reasons, the workplace can be a hotspot for tension and conflict, including when: •Cooperation is needed among people from different cultures (e.g. different working styles, communication patterns, expectations, attitudes, and different values). •Implementation of exclusionary values in systems and interpersonal interactions occurs. •More resources are needed. •Status/ranking is evident. •People collaborate to produce a product or service but have own specialties and conflict responsibilities. •You may not choose people you work with. •Working conditions include long hours and/or close quarters. •Strong allegiances to subgroups intensify/complicate conflicts (e.g. department, work functions, sect, professional, identity, management). Conflicts that are not resolved to meet