Page 48 - eBOOK ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR FULL REPORT (eISBN)

CHAPTER 6: CONFLICT AND NEGOTIATION

6.1 Introduction

Organizational conflict, or workplace conflict, is a state of disagreement or

misunderstanding, resulting from the actual or perceived opposition of needs, beliefs,

values, interest and relationship between members of the organization. Conflict is a natural
occurrence in organizations. It can occur both, individual or group levels. Though conflict is

considered natural, yet it also can lead to problems such as misdirection towards goal

achievement, miscommunication, low production and others. However, if properly manage,

it can increase the organizational achievement.

6.2 Conflicts in Organization

Whenever two individuals rant in different ways, a conflict arises. Conflict is nothing but a

fight either between two individuals or among group members. No two individuals can think
alike and there is definitely a difference in their thought process as well as their

understanding. Disagreements among individuals lead to conflicts and fights. Conflict arises

whenever individuals have different values, opinions, needs, interests and are unable to find

a middle way.

6.3 Definition of Conflict

Conflict is defined as a process that begins when one party perceives another party has or is

about to negatively affect something the first party cares about. It is defined as a relational
dispute between two or more parties, in which involve perceive a threat to their interests

coming from those on the other side of the disagreement. In other words, conflicts are a

clash between individuals arising out of a difference in thought process, attitudes,

understanding, interests, requirements and even sometimes perceptions.

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