Key Terms
Conflict
Blockage of goal-directed behavior; four types, four levels
Goal conflict
Clash over whose goals get pursued Cognitive conflict: incompatible ideas or opinions Affective conflict: incompatible f
Intrapersonal
Conflict within one person
Interpersonal
Conflict between two individuals; gets personal fast because each person embodies the opposing position
Intergroup
Between two groups (departments, teams); most complicated form; coalitions form, "us vs. them" mentality develops; group
Interorganizational
Between two or more companies or nations; trade disputes, industry standard disagreements, land use conflicts
Functional
Moderate conflict that stimulates innovation, motivates performance, forces problem-solving, helps groups develop identi
Dysfunctional
Conflict that diverts energy away from performance, damages psychological well-being, erodes group cohesion
Task interdependencies
The more groups must work together, the higher the conflict potential; high interdependence amplifies small disagreement
Status inconsistencies
Unequal privileges between groups breed resentment; managers can take personal time, nonmanagers can't
Jurisdictional ambiguities
Unclear ownership of responsibilities; two departments both involved in hiring, neither owns the final call
Communication problems
Misunderstood messages, withheld information; frustration follows
Dependence on common resource pools
Competing for scarce resources creates zero-sum dynamics
Lack of common performance standards
Different departments rewarded for conflicting priorities (production rewarded for efficiency; sales rewarded for respon
Individual differences
Personality traits like dominance, aggressiveness, and tolerance for ambiguity affect whether conflict emerges and how i