Team Dynamics and Conflict Management
Team dynamics
Teamwork and conflict management
Good team dynamics results in open communication and fewer misunderstandings
which will prevent conflict. Conflict can be caused by workload, the following problems
may occur:
➔ Role overload: One member of the team takes on more than they can handle.
➔ Role conflict: More than one member wants to play a certain role.
➔ Role ambiguity: There is a lack of clarity between roles that members are
expected to play.
Conflict is inevitable therefore it is imperative that conflict management skills are learnt.
Conflict Management
Conflict is a disagreement between parties due to a clash of interests, ideas or values.
Functional vs. dysfunctional conflict
➔ Functional: Non-aggressive form of conflict that stimulates creativity and often
results in higher productivity.
➔ Dysfunctional: Aggressive type of disagreement which results in reduced
productivity.
Advantages and disadvantages of conflict
Advantages:
➔ Can create awareness of a problem that can be addressed to benefit the
business.
➔ Can stimulate creativity
➔ Lead to collaboration
➔ May motivate employees to give input and become involved in a situation.
Disadvantages:
, ➔ Can reduce productivity and morale
➔ Can lead to inappropriate behaviour (Violence)
➔ Can lead to poor decision making
Reasons for conflict
Change
Proper change management will help increase the chances of survival of undertakings
operating in the new economy (changes in technology, globalisation and knowledge)
Inclusivity and cultural diversity
In South Africa there are many different cultures thus having to accommodate everyone
in the workplace. Although cultures can cause conflict. Stereotyping can cause issues.
Ubuntu Western culture
Establish social trust “Let's get down to business”
PR and goodwill are valued Emphasis is on performance and
expertise
Negotiations are slower, rituals may be Time is money. Negotiations are fast
played
Lack of, or poor communication
If employees are not informed about decisions or what they are supposed to do, they
will rely on rumours. Conflict is a result of uncertainty. Communication barriers that are
hierarchical can contribute to conflict. Role overload may occur if people are not sure of
their jobs.
Resource allocation
Insufficient resources or unequal distribution of resources to perform a task can cause
stress among employees. People may fight for resources. Skills and abilities are
Team dynamics
Teamwork and conflict management
Good team dynamics results in open communication and fewer misunderstandings
which will prevent conflict. Conflict can be caused by workload, the following problems
may occur:
➔ Role overload: One member of the team takes on more than they can handle.
➔ Role conflict: More than one member wants to play a certain role.
➔ Role ambiguity: There is a lack of clarity between roles that members are
expected to play.
Conflict is inevitable therefore it is imperative that conflict management skills are learnt.
Conflict Management
Conflict is a disagreement between parties due to a clash of interests, ideas or values.
Functional vs. dysfunctional conflict
➔ Functional: Non-aggressive form of conflict that stimulates creativity and often
results in higher productivity.
➔ Dysfunctional: Aggressive type of disagreement which results in reduced
productivity.
Advantages and disadvantages of conflict
Advantages:
➔ Can create awareness of a problem that can be addressed to benefit the
business.
➔ Can stimulate creativity
➔ Lead to collaboration
➔ May motivate employees to give input and become involved in a situation.
Disadvantages:
, ➔ Can reduce productivity and morale
➔ Can lead to inappropriate behaviour (Violence)
➔ Can lead to poor decision making
Reasons for conflict
Change
Proper change management will help increase the chances of survival of undertakings
operating in the new economy (changes in technology, globalisation and knowledge)
Inclusivity and cultural diversity
In South Africa there are many different cultures thus having to accommodate everyone
in the workplace. Although cultures can cause conflict. Stereotyping can cause issues.
Ubuntu Western culture
Establish social trust “Let's get down to business”
PR and goodwill are valued Emphasis is on performance and
expertise
Negotiations are slower, rituals may be Time is money. Negotiations are fast
played
Lack of, or poor communication
If employees are not informed about decisions or what they are supposed to do, they
will rely on rumours. Conflict is a result of uncertainty. Communication barriers that are
hierarchical can contribute to conflict. Role overload may occur if people are not sure of
their jobs.
Resource allocation
Insufficient resources or unequal distribution of resources to perform a task can cause
stress among employees. People may fight for resources. Skills and abilities are
