What is Conflict Management? | Meaning & Definition | Akrivia HCM

Conflict management is a process by which organizations seek to solve conflicts or negative situations in the workplace while promoting employee engagement. Conflict management encourages learning in a safe, supportive environment and leads to decisions that improve the situation. It also maintains trusting relationships with customers, improves the effectiveness of groups and ensures employees feel comfortable reporting ideas for improvement.

Types of Conflict Management 

Competing

The competing conflict type puts a high value on assertiveness and a low value on cooperation. Adopting this type at work could mean you are unwilling to compromise or listen to other points of view.

Compromising

Compromising is an effective way to resolve conflicts. It demands moderate assertiveness and cooperation from all parties involved, who then reach an agreement that works for everyone involved. The compromise allows time constraints to work in your favor by addressing issues quickly and effectively while satisfying all parties equally.

Accommodating

The accommodating conflict resolution style attempts to resolve disagreements without imposing one party’s needs or desires. This mode is characterized by high levels of cooperation and low levels of assertiveness so that you might sacrifice your own needs to meet those of the other person.

Avoiding

Avoidance of conflict type does not seek their opinions nor willing to listen to the other person’s opinion. They will evade conversations, cancel meetings, and change the subject to avoid conflicts altogether.

Collaborating

Collaborating is a conflict management style that requires all parties to work together to come up with a resolution that benefits everyone. Collaborating is most effective when you have ample time and the ability to discuss issues openly and honestly.

What are the most effective strategies for dealing with conflicts?

Listening  

In order to communicate effectively with others, one must first listen carefully to all sides of an argument. This contrasts with prioritizing a response before hearing other points of view.

Humor 

Humor can diffuse tension, making conflict resolution more likely.

Emotional Intelligence 

This technique promotes rationality to remain calm when dealing with others’ arguments.

Empathy 

This skill enables you to solve problems rather than win an argument by putting yourself in someone else’s position.

Challenges of Conflict Management 

• Conflict management is a complex issue that involves a variety of challenges. It is important first to identify and address the root causes of a conflict, as this often leads to resolution.
• It is also necessary to consider the different perspectives that may be at play in a conflict. Each person involved may have a unique point of view, and it is important to ensure these perspectives are considered during resolution efforts. Additionally, understanding effective communication and negotiation skills are essential when managing conflicts.
•  The ability to remain objective is also essential. When managing a conflict, it is important to understand that all parties have valid points and feelings, and it is crucial to consider these when working to resolve them. It is also important to recognize that conflicts are often emotional, and it is necessary to remain professional and impartial to maintain all parties’ trust.
•  Conflict management can be complex when parties have unequal power. It is vital to ensure all parties are aware of the risks and consequences of the conflict and to provide everyone with an equal opportunity in the workplace.