Page 7 - DMGT519_Conflict Management and Negotiation Skills

Amit Kumar Sharma, Lovely Professional University Unit 1: Conflict

Unit 1: Conflict Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
1.1 Conflict is Everywhere
1.2 Different Thoughts on Conflict

1.2.1 Perception of Conflict
1.3 Constructive and Destructive Conflict
1.3.1 Functional (Positive) Conflict
1.3.2 Dysfunctional (Negative) Conflict
1.4 Chaos and Complexity Theories
1.4.1 What is Complexity Theory?
1.4.2 Characteristics of Complex Systems

1.5 Systems Approach to Conflict Diagnosis
1.6 Resolving Conflict through Negotiation
1.6.1 Distributive (also called Competitive, Zero Sum, Win-lose or
Claiming Value).
1.6.2 Integrative (Collaborative, Win-win or Creating Value).

1.7 Summary
1.8 Keywords
1.9 Review Questions
1.10 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
 Define and explain the different thoughts on conflict
 Discuss about constructive and Destructive Conflict
 State the systems approach to conflict Diagnosis

 Discuss chaos and complexity theories
 Describe and manage conflict

Introduction

Conflict is inevitable and universal phenomenon of our individual, team & organizational life.
Life is a never ending saga of conflict. Remember the time when you were a small child and had
to choose between a tricycle and a cricket set or say, a set of dolls and a new frock for a birthday
present. That was probably your first exposure to a conflict situation. Of course, this is a simplistic
example of a conflict, but has life been the same since? Probably not. Think back and recall how
each succeeding conflict in your life over the years has been increasingly complex.

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