Question

One of the most difficult aspects of being an effective PM is managing "conflict". What is the difference between functional versus dysfunctional conflict on a project team? Are there times when it would be appropriate for a project manager to encourage conflict?

Answer 1

Functional Conflict - Functional conflict can be good for an organization. It promotes a healthy exchange of ideas, clears the air and promotes creative thinking and allow for more and better options thus enhancing decision making. The functional conflict is helpful in the achievement of the goals of an organization. It encourage following factors to complete any project a) Analytical thinking b)Diffusing tension among the members of the group    c)Promote Competition d) Promote group cohesiveness e) Organizational change    f) Quality of decision

Dysfunctional conflict - Dysfunctional conflict can be like a cancer in an organization. With long lasting and far reaching effects it hinders group and the organizations performance. These effects can be classified as hard and soft costs to the organization. With hard costs being tangible, that is items that can be seen on a financial statement. Soft costs are intangible costs that creep up on you and can really affect the organizations bottom line but can’t be clearly seen on a financial statement. These conflict which obstructs the achievement of the goals of a group are destructive conflict. it brings following roadblocks for any projects.    (a) Increased tension    (b) Increased dissatisfaction (c) Distraction from organizational goals (d) Distrust    (e) High rate of employee turn over   

=> Conflict is a natural process of communication and facilitates the sharing of divergent viewpoints from different employees and groups. There are many advantages we receive thorough positive conflict management hence conflicts are many a times good that is encouraged by PM's. Few of the benefits projects and organization received through conflicts are - - An opportunity to change inefficiencies in your organization    -Idea generation - Healthy arguments - Increased productivity - Relationship improvement    -Team building