(240b) Managing Conflict

For the manager, conflict is present in nearly everything we do. Some of this conflict can be good; while some conflict can lead to disasters. A manager will likely not be able to resolve all conflicts or even want to resolve all conflicts--doing so, the manager could become much too oppressive and authoritarian and stifle creativity and enthusiasm. However, you must "manage" conflict--this is part of your job. This paper discusses what is conflict, how conflict differs from contention, good and bad aspects of conflict, sources or reasons for conflict, taking responsibility for conflict, and various ways to manage conflict more effectively.