Question

What is conflict? Explain the different types of conflict. Is conflict functional or is it dysfunctional? Present arguments for each side of the debate. Provide specific examples of each type of conflict

Answer 1

Conflict literally can be defined as the disagreement based on the conflict of interest or discord of action leading to argument or incompatibility. Conflict can arise out of certain issues and problems which create people to disagree.

The two major types of conflict are functional conflict and dysfunctional conflict. Since conflict have positive as well as negative aspects and outcomes, therefore conflicts can be both functional as well as dysfunctional.

A conflict is functional when such disagreement or argument between parties is constructive and purposeful. Functional conflict reflects the weaknesses, deviations or perception gaps between parties which lead to argument that can be addressed through highlighting root cause of deviation or the cause of conflict thus aiding in solving discrepancies and help strengthening bond. A functional conflict is that which helps eliminating misconceptions, misunderstanding or misinterpretations. A conflict is functional when it creates awareness among both sides, put light obscured facts, helps identify risks or problems and improves the relationship or condition between people through creating understanding by removing doubts and fears. It leads to solving problems together and benefits through resulting in improvements.

For example the conflict taking place between John and Claire who share the relationship of superior and employee takes place due to a promotion decision in which Claire has been detained. The conflict between them results in revealing the fact that Claire had not Ben detained due to discrimination based on gender but because she fall short of a necessary requirement needed for the position. This country conflict is constructive because it revealed facts between two parties which helped them clear misunderstanding and perception gap. Moreover the conflict helped Claire in identifying what she lacked for the position so that she can develop that skill in her and John as superior promises to assist her. Therefore this conflict can be said as being constructive as it helped them to strengthen their bond. A functional conflict thus leads to change and growth.

The conflict can be dysfunctional and produce negative outcome when it is based on unhealthy and aggressive disagreement where each party is concerned with personal interests which mismatch with each other. Here each party is interested in maximizing self interest and thus do not show concern for others. This conflict is most common due to differences in opinions , perspectives and motives. This result in consequences for one of the party or both . This conflict affects the relationship between the parties and results in unproductive outcome or does not solve the problem.

For example the argument between Susan and Japanese client Chang over the terms of negotiation during a contract of a project which includes a term or clause that attempts to favour only chang and results in an anticipated risk of loss for Susan might result in a heated conversation where Susan wants to delete the clause but chang does not want to remove it due to personal interest without paying attention to loss of other party can be called a dysfunctional conflict. Here both parties are not bless to resolve the issue, no solution is proposed as each party is thinking about self interest, self motives without showing concern about each other. Therefore this conflict might drastically affect the relationship or result in terminating of contract between the two parties. Moreover it results in loss of opportunity, dignity and equity for each party thus producing unproductive results. In this manner a conflict can prove dysfunctional.

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