Understanding conflict continued

Unresolved conflict, however, can result in the breakdown of a group. When unaddressed conflict occurs in the workplace, it can reduce morale, hamper performance, and increase absenteeism. It leads to increased stress among employees, decreased productivity, and at worst, aggression or violence. Studies show that managers spend at least 25 percent of their time resolving workplace conflicts. This affects the output of the work group and can have a profound impact on business performance.

Let’s quickly summarise what we’ve covered so far:

• Conflict is inevitable and will happen.
• It can definitely be a good thing, if managed in the right way.
• Conflict management at work needs people with the right understanding and skills to deal with it. Throughout this module we’ll teach you how to develop both of these things.