Conflict Management can be defined as the process of dealing with (perceived) incompatibilities or disagreements arising from, for example, diverging opinions, objectives, and needs.

Effective conflict management techniques limit or prevent negative effects of conflict, while enhancing potential beneficial effects, without necessarily solving the conflict.

A central distinction in the conflict management literature is that between conflict stages (how conflicts evolve), conflict states (the occurrence or perception of disagreement over, for example, goals, beliefs, or task-related ideas), and conflict management strategies, styles, or frames (i.e., the different ways of dealing with perceived disagreements). Accordingly, theoretical and empirical work in conflict management can roughly be divided in three categories, those trying to better understand the different stages in a conflict cycle; the functions of conflict, examining the benefits and detriments of conflict states within organizations; and which strategies, styles and frames people apply when dealing with conflict and when they are most effective in managing conflict. The focus in this entry will primarily be on conflicts within organizations (rather than between organizations/countries etc.)

so, for example, between individual coworkers, between multiple team members, between different departments, and between staff and senior management.

The way people manage conflicts can range from complete avoidance of the conflict issue, to yielding, compromising, more constructive problem solving approaches, or trying to force one’s opinion.

Conflict management procedures can also differ in terms of being informal or formal, with or without the help of a third party, aimed at managing the conflict or at solving it, and are often influenced by cultural differences and the stress that conflicts evoke.

Course Content:

• Introduction to Conflict Management

• Skills to Resolve Conflicts

• Organizational Justice

• Types of Conflicts

• Power and Negotiation

• Characteristics of a Good Leader

• Training and Development