Conflict can be defined as the condition in which people’s concerns (the things they care about, positions on an issue, needs) appear to be incompatible. It is a situation between individuals in which:
- Stakes may be high.
- Opinions vary.
- Emotions run strong.
- Personal or emotional histories get in the way.
Conflict is part of life and therefore will always exist in the workplace. The following are some examples of conditions that may result in workplace conflict:
- Differences in points of view, values, or goals
- Communication issues: no information, incomplete information, or misinformation
- Misunderstandings
- Personality clashes
- Emotions: Powerful negative emotions take over, decisions are driven by emotions instead of facts, and individuals experience stress reactions (fight, flight, freeze)
- Competition for resources
- Power/authority dynamics
Use the links below for practical guidelines for navigating workplace conflict:
Note: The Navigating Interpersonal Conflict section is adapted with permission from Vancouver Island University.