Conflict can be caused by differences and misunderstandings about data, values, relationships, as well as structure.  Almost half of the conflicts in workplaces result from “waring egos” with 1/3 resulting from workplace stress and another third from heavy workloads. In this section, we will review a model of the conflict process and how conflict is escalated.

Activity #1

Lecture Video: Potential Causes of Organizational Conflict (13:19)

Slides: Potential Causes of Conflict

Activity #2

Choose one of the causes of organizational conflict and think of a work situation where this applies.  Write it down to be reviewed later.

Activity #3

Watch this video.

Video: Common Causes of Conflict (4:16)

Think of a conflict you have experienced that is an example of Task, Process and Structural Conflict in your workplace.

Activity #4

Read the following article to support the concepts discussed.

Black, S., Gardner, D.G., Pierce, J.L. & Steers, R.  (2019) Causes of conflict in organizations. Organizational Behavior.

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