Conflict is an inevitable part of life and occurs naturally during our daily activities. There will always be differences of opinions or disagreements between individuals and/or groups. Conflict should not be considered good or bad, rather it may be viewed as a necessity to help build meaningful relationships between people and groups. The means and how the conflict is handled will determine whether it is productive or devastating. In this article, we will explore the effects of unresolved conflict, the types of interpersonal conflicts, and strategies for resolving conflicts.
The Effects of Unresolved Conflict
Unresolved conflict can have a significant impact on individuals, groups, and organizations. Some of the effects of unresolved conflict include:
Decreased Productivity: Unresolved conflict can lead to decreased productivity in the workplace. When employees are focused on the conflict, they are less focused on their work, which can lead to missed deadlines and decreased quality of work.
Increased Stress: Unresolved conflict can lead to increased stress for individuals and groups. When individuals are in conflict, they may experience anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions.
Decreased Morale: Unresolved conflict can lead to decreased morale in the workplace. When employees are in conflict, they may feel demotivated and disengaged from their work.
Increased Turnover: Unresolved conflict can lead to increased turnover in the workplace. When employees are in conflict, they may choose to leave the organization rather than deal with the conflict.
Types of Interpersonal Conflicts
Interpersonal conflicts can arise in any setting where people are involved: at work, at home, at school, and in personal or professional relationships. There are several types of interpersonal conflicts, including:
Personality Conflicts: Personality conflicts occur when two people have different personalities that clash. For example, one person may be outgoing and talkative, while the other person may be introverted and quiet.
Value Conflicts: Value conflicts occur when two people have different values that clash. For example, one person may value honesty above all else, while the other person may value loyalty above all else.
Power Conflicts: Power conflicts occur when two people have different levels of power that clash. For example, a manager may have more power than an employee, which can lead to conflicts over decision-making.
Resource Conflicts: Resource conflicts occur when two people have different needs for resources that clash. For example, two employees may need the same office space, which can lead to conflicts over who gets to use the space.
Strategies for Resolving Conflicts
Fortunately, there are several ways to resolve conflict and emerge with the relationship intact. Some of the strategies for resolving conflicts include:
Communication: Communication is key to resolving conflicts. When individuals are in conflict, they should communicate openly and honestly with each other. This can help to clarify misunderstandings and find common ground.
Active Listening: Active listening is an important part of communication. When individuals are in conflict, they should listen actively to each other and try to understand each other’s perspectives.
Collaboration: Collaboration is a strategy that involves working together to find a solution that benefits both parties. When individuals are in conflict, they should work together to find a solution that meets both of their needs.
Compromise: Compromise is a strategy that involves finding a middle ground that both parties can agree on. When individuals are in conflict, they should be willing to compromise to find a solution that works for both of them.
Mediation: Mediation is a strategy that involves bringing in a neutral third party to help resolve the conflict. The mediator can help to facilitate communication and find a solution that works for both parties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, unresolved conflict can have a significant impact on individuals, groups, and organizations. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, decreased morale, and increased turnover. There are several types of interpersonal conflicts, including personality conflicts, value conflicts, power conflicts, and resource conflicts. Fortunately, there are several strategies for resolving conflicts, including communication, active listening, collaboration, compromise, and mediation. By using these strategies, individuals and groups can resolve conflicts and emerge with the relationship intact.