Organizational Behaviour Concepts Controversies Applications Canadian 7th Edition Langton Solutions Manual
Organizational Behaviour Concepts Controversies Applications Canadian 7th Edition Langton Solutions Manual
Organizational Behaviour Concepts Controversies Applications Canadian 7th Edition Langton Solutions Manual
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Conflict Defined
Functional vs. Dysfunctional Conflict
Types of Conflict
Loci of Conflict
Sources of Conflict
Communication
Structure
Personal Variables
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Management Strategies Based on Dual Concern Theory
What Can Individuals Do to Manage Conflict?
Resolving Personality Conflicts
Resolving Intercultural Conflicts
Conflict Outcomes
Negotiation
Bargaining Strategies
Distributive Bargaining
Integrative Bargaining
How to Negotiate
Developing a Strategy
Defining Ground Rules
Clarifying and Justifying
Bargaining and Problem Solving
Attaining Closure and Implementation
Individual Differences in Negotiation Effectiveness
Personality Traits in Negotiation
Moods/Emotions in Negotiation
Gender Differences in Negotiation
Third-Party Negotiations
Mediator
Arbitrator
Conciliator
Global Implications
Conflict Resolution and Culture
Cultural Differences in Negotiating Style
Culture, Negotiations, and Emotions
Summary
OB at Work
LEARNING OUTCOMES
CHAPTER SYNOPSIS
This chapter examines conflict. Many people assume that conflict in organizations is destructive
and to be avoided. What researchers and some managers have come to find is that conflict is both
inevitable and necessary to an organization’s success and survival. Conflict exists among and
between individuals as well as groups. The triggers for conflict stem from differences in value
systems, shared resources, the need to work together, and difficulties in communication, among
others. The extent to which conflict is beneficial depends to a large extent to how well it is
managed. The chapter defines conflict, discusses a process model of conflict, and details the
impact of conflict on group behaviour. The chapter points to research which indicates that people
have an underlying disposition (paradigm) to handle conflict in certain predetermined and
predictable ways based on a combination of intellectual and personality characteristics. Examples
of how approaches to resolving conflict vary across cultures and how to create functional conflict
are provided.
The chapter also examines the negotiation process. Negotiation permeates the interactions of
almost everyone in groups and organizations. In today’s team-based organizations, where
members are increasingly finding themselves having to work with colleagues over whom they
have no direct authority and with whom they may not even share a common boss, negotiation
skills become critical. The chapter also looks at gender differences and cultural differences in
negotiating styles.
STUDY QUESTIONS
It is impossible to cover all the material contained in the chapter during one or two lectures. To
deal with this problem, I present my students with a list of study questions to indicate what material
they will be responsible for on exams. I tell them that they will be responsible for these, even if the
material is not covered in class. I have found that this reduces anxiety overall, and I find it helps to
make students aware that not everything in a chapter is required material. I realize instructors vary
in their approach, so this is simply my approach.
I devote much of the class to two exercises. The first is the conflict-handling exercise that is in the
text. With this I have students work in groups to identify their styles and then talk about the pros
and cons of their styles.
I then ask them to think about group conflict by posing the following exercise:
Each group is to identify a conflict situation among two group members (real or imaginary),
Prepare a brief presentation that illustrates the problem, and then indicate appropriate ways to
work at resolving the conflict.
A selection of groups will be asked to present their problem and resolution for commentary by
class members. If you think your choice of problem will be especially useful to the class, make
sure you let me know when I ask for volunteers.
In debriefing this second exercise, I ask students to identify things they think will work, and
things that won’t work. I also solicit additional ideas. The class gives students the opportunity
to help each other think about how to handle conflict in their lives. I debrief the exercise, using
concepts from the chapter.
An alternative format would be to open the class with the following exercise:
Lead a discussion on how conflict between the student body and the administration could help
or hurt your institution.
Create functional/dysfunctional lists on the board, and ask students first how conflict could
help the college or university. Record these under “functional.” In the discussion, see if
specific topics or issues are on the students’ minds.
Next, ask how such conflict can harm the institution. Again, record these and solicit specific
issues, and record to whom the costs or “hurts” would apply.
Now discuss what would make such conflict functional or dysfunctional.
Is it the topic?
The parties involved?
The history of the issue?
Student expectation of administration reaction to conflict?
Finally, discuss:
Why have students not spoken up on these issues?
How could functional conflict be started and managed over a specific issue?
What are the dangers if it got out of hand?
This would allow you to surface many of the ideas covered on conflict.
I find that when I lecture on the topic of negotiation during the remainder of the class, students
seem to be absolutely fascinated by the topic. They seem not to be able to learn enough about
negotiation and how it works. I often provide them examples of negotiations I’ve been involved in
(my book publishing, a summer bonus, even buying my house) so that they can see that there are
a variety of ways of handling negotiation. I spend some time on the concept of BATNA, as it helps
them understand how to determine what they really want. They are also very interested in the
concept of third-party negotiations, how it works, how one gets to become a conciliator or an
arbitrator or mediator.
Be sure to check the Supplemental Material section for additional material that can be used in
class or assigned as homework.
A process that begins when one party perceives that another party has
negatively affected, or is about to negatively affect something that the first
party cares about.
Conflict has positive sides and negative sides.
Teaching Tip: This is a good point to ask student what they think about
conflict—do they see it as bad or good, and why? Doing so gets them in the spirit
of the lecture, and helps surface their feelings right away.
Teaching Tip: This may be a good point to have the students discuss the
Point/Counterpoint debate.
2. Types of conflict
Moderate levels of task conflict are optimal; high levels may decrease
team performance.
Personalities of team members matter in task conflict. Those high in
openness and emotional stability are better able to turn task conflict in to
increased group performance.
Process conflict is about how the work gets done and revolves around
delegation and roles. Process conflicts may become highly personalized and
quickly devolve into relationship conflicts.
Arguing about how to do something takes time away from actually doing it
and may impact performance.
Teaching Tip: You might get students to talk about the differences between
these three types of conflicts, and have them give examples of each.
3. Loci of Conflict
4. Sources of Conflict
A number of conditions that can give rise to conflict have been identified, and
at least one of these conditions is necessary if conflict is to surface.
Communication
Communication conflict can arise from semantic difficulties,
misunderstandings, and “noise” in the communication channels.
Potential for conflict increases when either too little or too much
communication takes place.
Structure
Size, specialization, and composition of the group act as forces to
stimulate conflict.
Ambiguity in precisely defining where responsibility for actions lies. Such
jurisdictional ambiguity increases intergroup fighting over resources and
territory.
Reward systems where one member’s gain is at another’s expense. Also,
the performance evaluation process can create conflict.
Leadership style where managers tightly control the work.
The diversity of goals among groups.
If one group is dependent on another.
Personal Variables
These include differing personalities, emotions, and values.
Personality plays a role in the conflict process – some people tend to get
in conflict a lot.
People high in disagreeableness, neuroticism, or self-monitoring are
prone to be involved in conflict more often, and to react poorly when
conflict occur.
Emotions can also cause conflict.
Teaching Tip: When I discuss these intentions, I ask students whether they
prefer compromise or collaboration. Many have never considered the idea of
collaboration, and many will also think that compromising is what one “should do,”
i.e., a preferred strategy. So, these strategies provide additional ways to think
about strategies. You might also point out that individuals have a “preferred style”
for dealing with conflict, and even with the best of intentions, they can end of
relying on the preferred strategy, even though that is not a good strategy.
You might also point out that avoiding is perfectly acceptable in some situations,
though it rarely resolves the conflict.
There are a number of conflict resolution techniques that individuals can use
to try to defuse conflict inside and outside of the workplace:
Problem solving: Requesting a face-to-face meeting to identify the
problem and resolve it through open discussion.
Developing overarching goals: Creating a shared goal that requires both
parties to work together, and motivates them to do so.
Smoothing: Playing down differences while emphasizing common
interests with the other party.
Compromising: Agreeing with the other party that each will give up
something of value to reach an accord.
Avoiding: Withdrawing from, or suppressing, the conflict.
When the conflict is specifically work-related, there are additional techniques
that might be used:
Expansion of resources. The scarcity of a resource - money, promotion
opportunities, office space - can create conflict. Expansion of the resource
can create a win-win solution.
Authoritative command. Management can use its formal authority to
resolve the conflict and then communicate its desires to the parties
involved.
Altering the human variable. Behavioural changed techniques such as
human relations training can alter attitudes and behaviours that cause
conflict.
Altering the structural variables. The formal organization structure and the
interaction patterns of conflicting parties can be changed through job
redesign, transfers, creation of coordinating positions, and the like.
Across cultures, people have different ideas about the appropriateness and
effects of conflict.
Some personality conflicts may be stimulated by cultural differences;
however, it is important to consider intercultural conflicts as a separate form
of conflict.
Cultural views on conflict:
Many Asian cultures believe that conflict almost always has a negative
effect on the work unit.
Collectivistic cultures value harmony and show preference for avoidance
or compromise.
North Americans prefer a problem-solving approach because this presents
both parties with a win-win solution.
Westerners are more comfortable with competition and are more likely to
choose forcing.
Be aware of cultural differences as using one’s own culture’s conflict
resolution strategies may result in even greater conflict.
C. Conflict Outcomes
Notes
(See Exhibit 9-2 Conflict and Unit Performance)
The interplay between overt conflict and conflict handling behaviours results
in consequences of two types.
Functional outcomes: Increased group performance can result from low or
moderate levels of conflict.
D. Negotiation Notes
Teaching Tip: It can be helpful to point out to students that they really should be
aware of their own interests when bargaining, as this will likely lead to better
outcomes. Sometimes when we get stuck in our position, we end up settling for
less than we might have hoped.
1. Bargaining Strategies
2. How to Negotiate
Developing a Strategy
Analyze all aspects of the nature of the conflict and who/what is involved.
Assess personal goals, consider other’s goals, develop strategy
Identify BATNA – Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.
(See Exhibit 9-5 Staking Out the Bargaining Zone)
Identify target and resistance points:
Target point: what one would like to achieve
Resistance point: lowest outcome acceptable
Defining Ground Rules
Who will do the negotiating? Where will it take place? Are there any time
constraints? To what issues will negotiation be limited? What is the
procedure if parties end up in an impasse?
Clarification and Justification
When initial positions have been exchanged, both parties explain, amplify,
clarify, bolster, and justify their original demands.
Bargaining and Problem Solving
The essence of the negotiation process is the actual give and take in trying
to reach an agreement. It is here where concessions are usually made by
both parties.
Teaching Tip: Try to illustrate BATNA with an example. For instance, Students’
car has broken down and they are leaving for a cross-country trip in six weeks.
They can buy a new car, but the car they really want is being offered at a higher
price than they might like. What are their alternatives in this situation?
Further tips for negotiation can be found in From Concepts to Skills section at the
end of the chapter.
You can also have students practice a negotiation in the Working with Others
Exercise, “A Negotiation Role Play.”
2. Moods/Emotions in Negotiation
Anger in negotiations relates to how much power the negotiator has. Show
anger only if you have at least as much power as your counterpart.
Having a history of anger induces more concessions as you may be
perceived as “tough”.
Culture matters in anger as the stereotype of East Asians is that they
generally do not show anger.
Anxiety has impact on negotiation. Anxious negotiators expect lower
outcomes, respond to offers more quickly and exit the bargaining process
more quickly leading to worse outcomes.
Expressing positive and negative emotions in an unpredictable way extracts
more concessions because it makes the other party feel less in control.
Negative emotions allow us to oversimplify issues, lose trust, and view the
other party’s behaviour negatively.
Positive feelings increase tendency to see potential problem in a broader
view and develop innovative solutions.
5. Third-Party Negotiations
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) uses a third party to help find a solution
to conflict.
Mediator
A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates a negotiated solution by
using reasoning, persuasion, and suggestions for alternative.
Participants must be motivated to bargain and settle.
Best under moderate levels of conflict.
Mediator must appear neutral and non-coercive.
Arbitrator
An arbitrator has authority to dictate an agreement, and always results in a
settlement.
Can be voluntary (requested) or compulsory (imposed by law or contract).
May result in further conflict because the two parties don’t negotiate,
rather, settlement can be imposed.
Conciliator
Trusted third party who provides an informal communication link between
the negotiator and the opponent.
Engage in fact-finding, interpreting and persuading.
F. Global Implications
Notes
1. Conflict Resolution and Culture
East Asian negotiators seem less likely to accept offers from negotiators who
display anger.
Collectivistic cultures emphasize respect and deference, and seem
particularly likely to perceive anger in negotiations as disrespectful.
SUMMARY
While many people assume that conflict lowers group and organizational performance, this
assumption is frequently incorrect. Conflict can be either constructive or destructive to the
functioning of a group or unit. Levels of conflict can be either too high or too low to be constructive.
Either extreme hinders performance. An optimal level is one that prevents stagnation, stimulates
creativity, allows tensions to be released, and initiates the seeds of change without being
disruptive or preventing coordination of activities.
OB AT WORK
For Review
(Note to instructors: the answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
1. What is conflict?
Conflict occurs when one party perceives that another party's actions will have a negative
effect on something the first party cares about. Many people automatically assume that all
conflict is bad. However, conflict can be either functional (constructive) or dysfunctional
(destructive) to the performance of a group or unit.
2. What are the three types of conflict and the three loci of conflict?
The types of conflict: Task conflict relates to the content and goals of the work. Relationship
conflict focuses on interpersonal relationships. Process conflict is about how the work gets
done.
The loci of conflict: Dyadic conflict is conflict between two people. Intragroup conflict
occurs within a group or team. Intergroup conflict is conflict between groups or teams
Distributive bargaining operates under zero-sum (win-lose) conditions where a fixed amount of
resources is to be divided. Integrative bargaining operates under the assumption that there
exists one or more settlements that can create a win-win solution for all parties.
Three areas that affect negotiations are personality traits, moods and emotions, and gender
differences. Some of the factors leading to personality conflicts include: misunderstandings
based on age, race, or cultural differences; intolerance, prejudice, discrimination, or bigotry;
perceived inequities, misunderstanding, rumours, or falsehoods about an individual or group;
and blaming for mistakes or mishaps (finger-pointing). There are no strong links between
personality and negotiating styles, suggesting we all can learn to be better negotiators. Anger
during negotiations has a variety of results depending on who is doing the negotiating and
even cultural background of the negotiators. The evidence suggests that men and women use
relatively similar styles, but have somewhat different success rates.
A conciliator is a trusted third party who provides an informal communication link between the
negotiator and the opponent. Conciliators typically act as more than mere communication
conduits, engaging in fact-finding, interpreting messages, and persuading disputants to
develop agreements. A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates a negotiated solution by
using reasoning and persuasion, suggesting alternatives and the like. Mediators can be much
more aggressive in proposing solutions than conciliators. Arbitrator is a third party with the
authority to dictate an agreement. It always results in a settlement.
POINT/COUNTERPOINT
Summary
What is the effect of conflict on an organization? The two points of view argue from different
positions how conflict impacts individuals, teams and the organization as a whole. Stimulating
conflict can provide benefits. Conflict is an inherent part of any situation where people work closely
together. Conflict can have negative consequences, but can it be completely eliminated.
Point: The point argues that conflict is good for an organization for the following reasons:
Conflict is a means by which to bring about radical change.
Conflict facilitates group cohesiveness.
Conflict improves group and organizational effectiveness.
Conflict brings about a slightly higher, more constructive level of tension.
Groups or organizations devoid of conflict are likely to suffer from apathy, stagnation, groupthink,
and other debilitating diseases. Look at a list of large organizations that have failed or suffered
serious financial setbacks over the past decade or two. The common thread through these
companies is that they stagnated. Their managements became complacent and unable or
unwilling to facilitate change. These organizations could have benefited from functional conflict.
Counterpoint: The counterpoint argues that all conflict is dysfunctional, and it is one of
management’s major responsibilities to keep its intensity as low as humanly possible because:
The negative consequences from conflict can be devastating.
Effective managers build teamwork. A good manager builds a coordinated team. Conflict
works against such an objective.
Managers who accept and stimulate conflict do not survive in organizations.
From the traditional view, any conflict will be seen as bad. Since the evaluation of a manager’s
performance is made by higher-level executives, those managers who do not succeed in
eliminating conflicts are likely to be appraised negatively. Failure to follow this advice might result
in the premature departure of the manager.
Analysis
Most behavioural scientists and practitioners now accept that the goal of effective management is
not to eliminate conflict, but rather to create the right intensity of conflict so as to reap its functional
benefits. Functional conflict is a means by which to bring about radical change. It improves group
and organizational effectiveness. It brings about a slightly higher, more constructive level of
tension. Organizations devoid of conflict are likely to suffer from apathy, stagnation, groupthink,
and other debilitating diseases. The negative consequences from dysfunctional conflict can be
devastating; for example, increased turnover, decreased employee satisfaction, inefficiencies
between work units, sabotage, labour grievances and strikes, and physical aggression. Effective
managers build teamwork, that is, a coordinated team.
Class activity
Divide the class into two (or more) teams. Assign each team either the Point or the Counterpoint
position. Have teams debate the issue. In a very large class, one debate could be conducted in
front of the class by two volunteer teams.
1. You and 2 other students carpool to school every day. The driver has recently taken to playing
a new radio station quite loudly. You do not like the music, or the loudness. Using one of the
conflict-handling intentions, indicate how you might go about resolving this conflict.
Students will give a variety of answers. Some possible examples:
Avoid: either decide not to say anything, or find another way to get to school.
Compromise: ask if there is another station that neither loves, but wouldn’t find
offensive. Or if there’s a way to alternate choice of stations daily among those in the
car.
Collaborate: sit down and draw up a list of stations that people like and see if there’s
one that everyone likes.
Compete: bring a portable player and blast that in the back seat.
2. Using the example above, identify a number of BATNAs (Best Alternatives to a Negotiated
Agreement) available to you, and then decide whether you would continue carpooling.
A variety of answers are possible. They could decide to take the bus, shop around for an
inexpensive car, look for another car pool, and maybe there is no true alternative.
3. Which conflict-handling style is most consistent with how you deal with conflict? Is your style
effective? Why or why not?
This gives students the opportunity to evaluate how they handle conflict.
EXPERIENTIAL EXERCISE
This role play sets up conflicting goals between Alex and CJ. The chapter suggests this exercise
be done in pairs, but another approach would be to do it in triads: one person plays Alex, another
plays CJ, and the third acts as an observer to note the negotiation behaviours and to give
feedback to the two role players after the role play.
Teaching Notes
ETHICAL DILEMMA
The issue in this case is a job applicant who for all apparent purposes was extremely highly
qualified, but perhaps did not fully understand the company policies regarding the job she was
applying for. She was offering to accept a lower salary for flextime which was already in the
company policy. She could have worked fewer hours per week and still be considered a full time
employee. Above all, because of her qualifications she could have commanded a salary above the
advertised pay grade. How should the interviewing human resources manager approach this
issue? Should she clarify for the applicant the policies in the applicant’s favour, or should she save
money for the company by being silent and accepting the applicant’s offer?
Questions
(Note to instructors: the answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
1. If the human resources manager were to coach the applicant to request a higher salary, would
the coaching work against the interest of the organization? Is it the responsibility of the human
resources manager to put the organization’s financial interests first?
The students’ responses to this question will vary depending on individual ethical position.
Those with a position that this violated the client relationship will likely base it on a contractual
obligation. Those in favor of the action will probably emphasize that by working toward the
higher salary, potential future conflict over inequity was averted.
2. What do you see as the potential downside of the human resources manager abstaining from
discussing the pay issue further with the candidate?
Responses to this question will vary by student, but many will suggest that if no discussions
take place, there is the potential for issues related to trust and ethics to emerge.
3. If the candidate were hired at the reduced rate she proposed, how might the situation play out
over the next year when she gets to know the organization and pay standards better?
Again, responses to this question will vary by student. Some will argue that the candidate will
feel violated – that the organization has taken advantage of the situation. Others though, may
contend that this could ultimately serve to strengthen the job candidate.
CASE INCIDENT
Summary
The conflict between City of Vancouver and CP Rail over property owned by the latter escalated
into a situation where CP Rail thoughtlessly involved citizens in the area by bulldozing community
gardens which had been in place even in the time that the railway right-of-way was in use by CP
Rail. This bullying tactic backfired because not only were the gardeners involved infuriated, the
tactic reflected negatively in the public opinion. It was not a wise move for CP to pick a battle with
the gardeners when the dispute was really with the city. The city would like to see the property
used as a greenway and a future transit corridor. CP wants to develop the land and sell it to the
city. The sticking point seems to be the price the city is willing to pay and what CP thinks the
property is worth. This is a good example of making sure you pick your battle with the right party.
Questions
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
1. Can involving a third party in a dispute, much like CP Rail did with the community gardeners,
ever result in a positive outcome?
Some degree of open disagreement can be an important way for parties to manage simmering
and potentially destructive conflicts. Third party involvement depends on the situation and who
the third party is. In this case, public opinion immediately became inflamed and reputation of
CP Rail was damaged. They had turned a blind eye to the community gardens for years and
now thoughtlessly assumed that the citizens involved would pressure the city to purchase the
property at any cost.
2. How can negotiators use conflict management strategies to their advantage so that
differences in interests lead to positive integrative solutions rather than dysfunctional
conflicts?
Exhibit 9-1 shows major resolution techniques that allow parties to control the conflict levels.
The students’ answers to this question should include ideas contained in this exhibit.
3. Can you think of situations in your own life in which silence has worsened a conflict between
parties? What might have been done differently to ensure that open communication facilitated
collaboration instead?
This question’s answers will be the opinion of the students. As students to volunteer examples
and then discuss what might have been done in each situation.
CASE INCIDENT
Questions
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
The response to this question will vary depending on the student’s opinion.
Again, student response depends on opinion. But, one idea that should come from the
process is that some believe that mediation is a trade-off to justice. Instead of legal disputes
being resolved in the judicial system that calls for decision to be made by peer groups,
mediation results in resolutions fostered by a single professional. The goal of mediation is
harmony, not justice.
3. If you were advising union and management representatives about how to negotiate an
agreement, drawing from the concepts in this chapter, what would you tell them?
Again, responses to this question will vary based on the opinion of the student.
Negotiating
Begin with a positive overture. Studies on negotiation show that concessions tend to be
reciprocated and lead to agreements. As a result, begin bargaining with a positive overture –
perhaps a small concessions – and then reciprocate your opponent’s concessions.
Address problems, not personalities. Concentrate on the negotiation issues, not on the personal
characteristics of your opponent. When negotiations get tough, avoid the tendency to attack your
opponent. It’s your opponent’s ideas or position that you disagree with, not him or her personally.
Separate the people from the problem, and don’t personalize differences.
Pay little attention to initial offers. Treat an initial offer as merely a point of departure. Everyone
has to have an initial position. These initial offers tend to be extreme and idealistic. Treat them as
such.
Emphasize win-win solutions. Inexperienced negotiators often assume that their gain must come
at the expense of the other party. As noted with integrative bargaining, that needn’t be the case.
There are often win-win solutions. But assuming a zero-sum game means missed opportunities for
trade-offs that could benefit both sides. So if conditions are supportive, look for an integrative
solution. Frame options in terms of your opponent’s interests and look for solutions that can allow
your opponent, as well as yourself, to declare a victory.
Create an open and trusting climate. Skilled negotiators are better listeners, ask more questions,
focus their arguments more directly, are less defensive, and have learned to avoid words and
phrases that can irritate an opponent (i.e., “generous offer,” “fair price,” “reasonable arrangement”).
In other words, they are better at creating the open and trusting climate necessary for reaching an
integrative settlement.
KEY TERMS
Arbitrator - A third party to a negotiation who has the authority to dictate an agreement.
Bargaining zone - The zone between each party’s resistance point, assuming there is overlap in
this range.
BATNA - The best alternative to a negotiated agreement; the outcome an individual faces if
negotiations fail.
Conciliator - A trusted third party who provides an informal communication link between the
negotiator and the opponent.
Conflict - A process that begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively
affected, or is about to negatively affect, something that the first party cares about.
Fixed Pie - The belief that there is only a set amount of goods or services to be divided up
between the parties.
Functional conflict - Conflict that supports the goals of the group and improves its performance.
Integrative bargaining - Negotiation that seeks one or more settlements that can create a
win-win solution.
Mediator - A neutral third party who facilitates a negotiated solution by using reasoning,
persuasion, and suggestions for alternatives.
Negotiation - A process in which two or more parties exchange goods or services and try to agree
upon the exchange rate for them.
Process conflict – Conflict over how work gets done.
Relationship conflict – Conflict based on interpersonal relationships.
Task conflict – Conflict over content and goals of the work.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
1. Let’s start out with a laugh. Go to dispair.com and see what their commentary is for
dysfunction. Point to: www.despair.com/demotivators/dysfunction.html . While you are there
feel free to look at some of the other posters that “spoof” traditional motivational posters found
on the walls of businesses and schools. Enjoy!
2. How do you handle conflict when it arises? Seven guidelines for handling conflict can be found
at: www.mediate.com/articles/jordan2.cfm . Think of a conflict you are involved in or have
been involved in recently. How could you have applied these guidelines to that situation? Is
there room for improvement in your conflict management skills? Write a short reflection paper
(or a paragraph or two) on one of the guidelines and how you plan to use it in future conflicts.
3. If you have never been involved in labour negotiations it can be a challenging task—especially
if you lack experience in the process. Preparation is key. Every manager should have an
understanding of the process. Learn more at: www.mediate.com/articles/lynnK.cfm . Are there
lessons in this article that could be applied to any negotiation process—for example, buying a
car, negotiating a contract with a vendor, etc.? Think of a circumstance where you might find
yourself explaining a negotiation process to a friend and the skills necessary to be successful.
(Use the article for ideas.) Write out the scenario and skills and bring it to class.
4. Negotiating with other cultures requires an understanding of the culture and the individuals
with whom you are negotiating. Point to: www.mediate.com/articles/lauchli.cfm to learn more
about negotiation and dispute resolution with the Chinese. As the book has discussed, the
Chinese are a collectivist culture different in many ways from Americans. Write two or three
things of interest you learned from reading this page and bring it to class.
5. Read the article by titled “Intercultural Conflict Management: A Mindful Approach” at:
http://www.uri.edu/iaics/content/2008v17n4/02%20Ling%20Chen%20&%20Kat%20C
heung.pdf .. Write a short synopsis of the three major points of the paper. What is the most
interesting or intriguing idea put forth in the paper? Do you agree or disagree with her
assessments? Bring your written work to class for further discussion.
6. The University of Colorado offers a great deal of information regarding conflict management
on their website. One page provides abstracts of selected readings on transformative conflict
resolution. Some readings are more global in nature—others are geared to the organization.
Point to : www.colorado.edu/conflict/transform/abslist.htm and select three abstracts of
interest to you. Print them off and bring them to class. Prepare a short presentation on what
you learned from articles. Be prepared to talk about them before the class or in small groups.
CHAPTER
1
9
Conflict and Negotiation
Functional vs. Dysfunctional Conflict LO1; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
7 “Conflict Defined.”
Is Conflict always Bad?
• Functional Conflict
– Supports the goals of the group and improves its
performance
• Dysfunctional Conflict
– Hinders group performance
• Relationship Conflict
– Focuses on interpersonal relationships
– Almost always dysfunctional
• Process Conflict
– Conflict over how work gets done
• Intragroup Conflict
– Conflict which occurs within a group or team
– Focus of study of task, relationship, and process conflict
• Intergroup Conflict
– Conflict between different groups or teams
– Interplay between individual position power in group and
how they manage conflict between groups
Conflict Resolution: Two Dimensions LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
12 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Cooperativeness
– The degree to which one party attempts to satisfy
the other party’s concerns.
• Assertiveness
– The degree to which one party attempts to satisfy
his or her own concerns.
Conflict Management Strategies LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
13 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Forcing
• Imposing one’s will on the other party.
• Problem solving
• Trying to reach an agreement that satisfies both one’s own and
the other party’s aspirations as much as possible.
• Avoiding
• Ignoring or minimizing the importance of the issues creating the
conflict.
• Yielding
• Accepting and incorporating the will of the other party.
• Compromising
• Balancing concern for oneself with concern for the other party in
order to reach a solution
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
Exhibit 9‐1 Conflict‐Handling Strategies & Accompanying Behaviour LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
14 “Conflict Resolution.”
Cooperativeness: The degree to which one party attempts to
satisfy the other party’s concerns.
Assertiveness: The degree to which one party attempts to
satisfy his or her own concerns.
Specific Intentions:
•Competing: A desire to satisfy one’s interests,
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
regardless of the impact on the other parties.
•Collaborating: A situation where the parties to a
conflict each desire to satisfy fully the concerns of all
parties.
•Avoiding: The desire to withdraw from or suppress a
conflict.
•Accommodating: The willingness of one party in a
conflict to place the opponent’s interests above his or
her own.
•Compromising: A situation in which each party to a
conflict is willing to give up something.
What Can Individuals Do to Manage Conflict? LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
15 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Problem solving Problem-solving: Requesting a face-to-face meeting to
• Developing overarching goals
identify the problem and resolve it through open discussion.
Developing super ordinate goals: Creating a shared goal that
• Smoothing requires both parties to work together, and motivates them to
• Compromising
do so.
Smoothing: Playing down differences while emphasizing
• Avoidance Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc. common interests with the other party.
Compromising: Agreeing with the other party that each will
give up something of value to reach an accord.
Avoidance: Withdrawing from, or suppressing, the conflict.
Techniques for Managing Work‐Related Conflicts LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
16 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Expansion of resources Expansion of Resources: The scarcity of a resource--say,
money, promotion opportunities, office space--can create
• Authoritative command
conflict. Expansion of the resource can create a win-win
• Altering the human variable
solution.
Authoritative command: Management can use its formal
• Altering the structural variables authority to resolve the conflict and then communicate its
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc. desires to the parties involved.
Altering the human variable: Behavioural change techniques
such as human relations training can alter attitudes and
behaviours that cause conflict.
Altering the structural variables: The formal organization
structure and the interaction patterns of conflicting parties can
be changed through job redesign, transfers, creation of
coordinating positions, and the like.
Resolving Personality Conflicts LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
17 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Misunderstandings based on age, race, or cultural
differences
• Perceived inequalities
Tips for Handling Personality Conflict LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
18 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Communicate directly with the other person When dealing with the other person emphasize problem
to resolve the perceived conflict.
solving and common objectives, not personalities.
• Avoid dragging co‐workers into the conflict.
Tips for Handling Personality Conflict Lo3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
19 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Do not take sides.
Tips for Handling Personality Conflict LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
20 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Investigate and document conflict. What managers can do if employees are having a personality
• If appropriate, take corrective action (e.g., conflict
feedback or behaviour shaping).
• If necessary, attempt informal dispute
resolution.
• Refer difficult conflicts to human resource
specialists or hired counsellors.
Resolving Intercultural Conflicts LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
21 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Those from Asian cultures show a preference for conflict avoidance,
compared with Americans and Britons.
• Chinese and East Asian managers prefer compromising as a strategy,
contrary to North Americans.
• North Americans prefer a problem‐solving approach to conflicts, which
yields a win‐win solution.
• Win‐win solutions are less likely to be achieved in Asian cultures.
• East Asian managers tend to ignore conflict rather than make it public.
• Japanese managers tend to choose non‐confrontational styles.
• Westerners are more likely to choose forcing as a strategy than Asians.
• North Americans expect that negotiations may lead to a legal contract;
Asian cultures rely less on legal contracts and more on relational
contracts.
Exhibit 9‐2 Conflict and Unit Performance LO3; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
22 “Conflict Resolution.”
We suggest in Exhibit 9-2 that there is an optimal level of
conflict in the workplace to maximize productivity, but this is
decidedly a North American viewpoint. Many Asian cultures
believe that conflict almost always has a negative effect on
the work unit.
Exhibit 9‐3 Distributive vs. Integrative Bargaining LO4; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
25 “Negotiation.”
• Identify BATNA:
– Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement.
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
Exhibit 9‐4 The Negotiation Process LO4; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
27 “Negotiation.”
Exhibit 9‐5 Staking Out the Bargaining Zone LO4; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
28 “Negotiation.”
Individual Differences in Negotiation Effectiveness LO5; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
29 “Individual Differences in Negotiation Effectiveness.” Note:
• Personality Traits in Negotiation This is an overview slide to introduce the topics. There
follow specific slides on these concepts as more in-depth
• Moods/Emotions in Negotiation
speaking notes.
• Gender Differences in Negotiation
Personality Traits in Negotiation LO5; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
30 “Individual Differences in Negotiation Effectiveness.”
• Negotiators who are agreeable or
extraverted are not very successful in
distributive bargaining
– Extraverts are outgoing and friendly, they
tend to share more information than they
should
– Agreeable people are more interested in
findings ways to cooperate rather than to
butt heads
Gender Differences in Negotiation LO5; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
32 “Individual Differences in Negotiation.”
• Popular Stereotypes of Men and Women Do men and women negotiate differently? The answer
appears to be “It depends.” It is difficult to generalize about
• Woman more cooperative and pleasant in negotiations than men
• A few hundred dollars more in salary or the corner office is less
important to women than forming and maintaining an
interpersonal relationship
• Women are “nicer” than men is probably due to a confusion
gender differences in negotiating styles, because the
between gender and the lower degree of power women typically
hold in most large organizations
• Men are expected to be “tough”
research yields many opinions, but few reliable conclusions.
• Women’s attitudes and behaviours hurt them in negotiations
• Managerial women demonstrate less confidence in anticipation
Some researchers have documented interesting and relevant
of negotiating and are less satisfied with their performance
afterward differences, however.
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
Third‐Party Conflict Resolution LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
33 “Conflict Resolution.” Note: This is an introductory slide to
• Mediator the concepts. Future slides provide speaking notes for each.
Occasionally, individuals or group representatives reach a
• Arbitrator stalemate and are unable to resolve their differences. In such
cases, they may turn to alternative dispute resolution (ADR),
• Conciliator
where a third party helps both sides find a solution outside a
courtroom.
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
Third‐Party Conflict Resolution LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
34 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Mediator
– a neutral third party who facilitates a negotiated
solution by using reasoning, persuasion, and
suggestions for alternatives.
• Labour‐management negotiations and civil court
disputes
• Settlement rate is about 60 percent; satisfaction rate is
over 90 percent
• Participants must be motivated to bargain and settle
• Most effective under moderate levels of conflict
• Mediator must appear neutral and non‐coercive
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
Third‐Party Conflict Resolution LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
35 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Arbitrator
– has authority to dictate an agreement.
•Voluntary (requested) or compulsory
(imposed by law or contract)
•Always results in a settlement
•Conflict may resurface at a later time
Third‐Party Conflict Resolution LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
36 “Conflict Resolution.”
• Conciliator
– Trusted third party who provides an informal
communication link between the negotiator and
the opponent.
• Informal link
• Used extensively in international, labour, family, and
community disputes
• Fact‐find, interpret messages, persuade disputants to
develop agreements
Conflict Resolution and Culture LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
37 “Individual Differences in Negotiation.”
• Collectivistic cultures see people as deeply
embedded in social situations, whereas
individualistic cultures see people as
autonomous.
• As a result, collectivists are more likely to seek
to preserve relationships and promote the
good of the group as a whole than
individualists.
Cultural Differences in Negotiating Style LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
38 “Individual Differences in Negotiation.”
• Negotiating styles vary across national culture
Culture, Negotiations, and Emotions LO6; Material pertinent to this discussion is found under
39 “Individual Differences in Negotiation.”
• East Asian negotiators were less likely to
accept offers from negotiators who displayed
anger during negotiations
OB at Work: For Review Material pertinent to this discussion is found at the end of the
41 chapter.
1. What is conflict?
2. What are the three types of conflict and the
two loci of conflict?
3. What are the conditions that lead to conflict?
4. What are the differences between distributive
and integrative bargaining?
5. How do individual differences influence
negotiations?
6. What are the roles and functions of third‐party
negotiations? Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
OB at Work: For Managers Material pertinent to this discussion is found at the end of the
42 chapter.
■ Seek integrative solutions when your objective is to
learn, when you want to merge insights from people
with different perspectives, when you need to gain
commitment by incorporating concerns into a
consensus, and when you need to work through
feelings that have interfered with a relationship.
■ It’s best to avoid an issue when it’s trivial or
symptomatic of other issues, when more important
issues are pressing, when you perceive no chance of
satisfying everyone’s concerns, when people need to
cool down and regain perspective, when gathering
information, and when others can resolve the conflict
more effectively.
OB at Work: For Managers Material pertinent to this discussion is found at the end of the
43 chapter.
■ Consider compromising when goals are important
but not worth potential disruption, when opponents
with equal power are committed to mutually
exclusive goals, and when you need temporary
settlements to complex issues.
■ Distributive bargaining can resolve disputes, but it
often reduces the satisfaction of one or more
negotiators because it’s confrontational and focused
on the short term. Integrative bargaining, in
contrast, tends to provide outcomes that satisfy all
parties and build lasting relationships.
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc.
OB at Work: For Managers Material pertinent to this discussion is found at the end of the
44 chapter.
■ Make sure you set aggressive negotiating
goals and try to find creative ways to achieve
the objectives of both parties, especially
when you value the long‐term relationship
with the other party. That does not mean
sacrificing your self‐interest; rather, it means
trying to find creative solutions that give both
parties what they really want.
Breakout Group Exercises Material pertinent to this discussion is found at the end of the
46 chapter.
• Form small groups to discuss the following:
1. You and two other students carpool to school every day. The
driver has recently taken to playing a new radio station quite
loudly. You do not like the music, or the loudness. Using one of
the conflict‐handling intentions, indicate how you might go
about resolving this conflict.
2. Using the example above, identify a number of BATNAs (best
alternatives to a negotiated agreement) available to you, and
then decide whether you would continue carpooling.
3. Which conflict‐handling style is most consistent with how you
deal with conflict? Is your style effective? Why or why not?
From Concepts to Skills: Negotiating Begin with a positive overture. Studies on negotiation show
47 that concessions tend to be reciprocated and lead to
• Begin with a positive overture. agreements.
• Address problems, not personalities.
Address problems, not personalities. Concentrate on the
negotiation issues, not on the personal characteristics of your
• Pay little attention to initial offers. opponent. When negotiations get tough, avoid the tendency
• Emphasize win‐win solutions. to attack your opponent.
Pay little attention to initial offers. Treat an initial offer as
• Create an open and trusting climate.
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada Inc. merely a point of departure. Everyone has to have an initial
position. These initial offers tend to be extreme and idealistic.
Treat them as such.
Emphasize win-win solutions. Inexperienced negotiators often
assume that their gain must come at the expense of the other
party. But assuming a zero-sum game means missed
opportunities for trade-offs that could benefit both sides. If
conditions are supportive, look for an integrative solution.
Frame options in terms of your opponent’s interests and look
for solutions that can allow your opponent, as well as yourself,
to declare a victory.
Create an open and trusting climate. Skilled negotiators are
better listeners, ask more questions, focus their arguments
more directly, are less defensive, and have learned to avoid
words and phrases that can irritate an opponent (that is,
“generous offer,” “fair price,” “reasonable arrangement”). In
other words, they are better at creating the open and trusting
climate necessary for reaching an integrative settlement.