Managing Conflict Introduction
Conflict is a natural disagreement resulting from individuals or groups that differ in attitudes, beliefs, values or needs. It can also originate from past rivalries and personality differences.
If the conflict is understood, it can be effectively managed by reaching a consensus that meets both the individual's and society's needs. This results in mutual benefits and strengthens the relationship.
Conflict can cause lost time, resources, and efficiency in any work team. But when managed well, conflict can result in new ideas, more informed decision-making, and better performance. But managing conflict effectively requires skill, knowledge and experience.
This Element is about managing conflict and is divided into three sections. These are,
- Defining Conflict
- The Symptons & Causes of Conflict and
- Handling Conflict
Each of these sections should be taken in about 20 minute dips of study time. We also have a library of resource materials where you can find out more about managing conflict as well as a series of case studies of organisations that have been through a managing conflict process. These are important and will allow you to develop the knowledge you have gained through the Elements
The Library for Managing Conflict has a number of resources that you can explore in order to find out more about the subject. These include web sites with useful information and articles and books that are concerned with Managing Conflict. However these are just some examples of the resources available. They are not an exhaustive list. We hope that you will begin to do your own research as you explore this subject. To help you do this then we have added a search facility in the Library area where you can find out what other materials are available through the Internet. Type into the search box the topic you want like "managing conflict" or "conflict in teams" or whatever item you are looking for and then a list of possible relevant sites will appear. Learn to use the search facility by experimenting, as it is a very useful and important tool.
The Case Studies will be developed and added to over time so that you can find real life situations where the management of conflict has been done well or badly. We would also welcome case study material that you may have so that we can share it with others.
Programme Duration - 2 hours IHM CPD Credit 4
e-learning elements
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