Group Relations And Conflict

Group Relations & Conflict

Group Interdependence 

Group interdependence implies that there is something of interest between various department and systems. One department is dependent upon the other department for resources, work and information.



There are three major types of Group Interdependence 1. Pooled Interdependence 2. Sequential Interdependence 3. Reciprocal Interdependence

  

Pooled Interdependence  Occurs

when organizational units have a common resource but no interrelationship with one another. F

A B Headquarters

E

C D

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8–3

Sequential Interdependence  Occurs

when organizational units must coordinate the flow of information, resources, and tasks from one unit to another. A

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B

C

8–4

Reciprocal Interdependence  Occurs

when information, resources, and tasks must be passed back and forth A between work groups.

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B

C

D

E

F 8–5

Conflict Management 

Conflict 

The perceived incompatible differences in a group resulting in some form of interference with or opposition to its assigned tasks. 

Traditional view: conflict must be avoided.



Human relations view: conflict is a natural and inevitable outcome in any group.



Interactionist view: conflict can be a positive force and is absolutely necessary for effective group performance. Conflict should be encouraged; keeps the group alive, self-critical, and creative

Types of Conflict: Interpersonal Conflict ~ Conflict between individuals due to differences in their goals or values. Intra-group Conflict ~ Conflict within a group or team. Inter-group Conflict ~ Conflict between two or more teams or groups. Inter-organizational Conflict that arises across organizations. Task-oriented conflict: relates group goals or objectives Behavioral conflict: relates to individual’s value system, approach, attitude, ego state, skill and norms followed by him Structural conflict or process conflict: relates to how a task is being accomplished

SOURCES OF CONFLICT:

Techniques to Reduce Conflict  Avoidance    

Accommodation Forcing Compromise Collaboration

Negotiation A process in which two or more parties exchange goods or services and attempt to agree upon the exchange rate for them There can be two types of Negotiation Distributive Bargaining Negotiation that seeks to divide up a fixed amount of resources; a win-lose and loselose situation. Integrative Bargaining Negotiation that seeks one or more settlements that can create a win-win solution.

Characteristics Bargaining Characteristic

Distributive Bargaining

Integrative Bargaining

Goal

Get as much of pie as possible

Expand the pie

Motivation

Win-Lose, Lose-Lose Win-Win

Focus

Positions

Interests

Information Sharing

Low

High

Duration of relationships

Short term

Long term

Bargaining Zone

The Negotiation Process

BATNA The Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement; the lowest acceptable value (outcome) to an individual for a negotiated agreement.