Conflict and Cohesion in Groups
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314397_CH_07.qxd 10/23/03 8:59 AM Page 146 Conflict and Cohesion in Groups Chapter Outline Conflict in Groups Approaches to Conflict Substantive Conflict Management Procedural Conflict The 4Rs Method Affective Conflict The A-E-I-O-U Model Negotiation Constructive and Mediation Destructive Conflict Arbitration Conflict Styles Group Cohesion Avoidance Enhancing Cohesion Accommodation Groupthink Competition Compromise Adapting to Differences Collaboration Choosing a Conflict Style Balancing Conflict and Cohesion 146 314397_CH_07.qxd 10/23/03 8:59 AM Page 147 conflict in groups Conflict is unavoidable in an effective group. Rarely do conscientious members work in groups for any length of time without expressing differences and dis- agreeing. Yet despite the inevitability of conflict, many of us go out of our way to avoid or suppress it. One of the myths about effective groups is “that they are characterized by chumminess. Many effective teams look more like battle- grounds, it turns out. Teams with vastly competent members embrace con- flict as the price of synergy and set good idea against good idea to arrive at the best idea.”1 The word conflict is frequently associated with quarreling, fighting, anger, and hostility. While these elements may be present in a group situation, conflict does not have to involve the expression of negative emotions. We define conflict as the disagreement and disharmony that occurs in groups when dif- ferences are expressed regarding ideas, methods, and/or members. When treated as an expression of legitimate differences, conflict “can be used as the spur to find the wider solution, the solution that will meet the mutual interest of the parties involved in it.”2 Putnam has classified the sources of conflict as substantive, procedural, and affective.3 ■ Substantive Conflict Substantive conflict is disagreement over members’ ideas and group issues. For example, when members of a student government council argue whether or not student activities fees should be raised, their conflict is substantive. Such con- flict is directly related to working toward the group’s goal of serving students’ cocurricular needs. ■ Procedural Conflict Procedural conflict is disagreement among group members about the methods or process the group should follow in its attempt to accomplish a goal. Whereas FIGURE 7.1 Sources of Group Conflict 147 314397_CH_07.qxd 10/23/03 8:59 AM Page 148 148 PART II Interaction Skills some group members may want to begin a discussion by suggesting solutions to a problem, others may want to start by gathering and discussing information. Some members may believe that a decision should be made by secret ballot while others may want a show of hands. ■ Affective Conflict Affective conflict centers around the personalities, communication styles, and emotions of group members. Its causes are numerous. Affective conflict may occur when a member does not feel valued or is threatened by the group. Affective conflict also occurs when members believe that their ideas are not judged fairly or when group members are struggling for power. Affective con- flict is more difficult to resolve because it involves people’s feelings and the way members relate to one another. Frequently when disagreement occurs in groups, both substantive and affec- tive types of conflict are present. For example, Dee believes student fees should be raised in order to fund more campus activities. Charles disagrees and suggests that the existing funds should be used more efficiently rather than placing a larger financial burden on students. At this point in the discussion, the conflict is substantive; it is focused on issues. However, when responding to Dee, Charles rolls his eyes and states that “only a political fool believes that higher fees are the answer to the problem.” Not only does Dee disagree with Charles on the issues, but she is also angered by his comment. Now the conflict is not just substantive; it has become affective as well. Constructive and Destructive Conflict Conflict itself is neither good nor bad. However, the way in which a group deals with conflict can be constructive or destructive. Destructive conflict results when groups engage in behaviors that create hostility and prevent achievement of the group’s goal. Constant complaining, personal insults, conflict avoidance, and loud arguments or threats all con- tribute to destructive conflict.4 The quality of group decision making deterio- rates when members are inflexible and not open to other points of view. Destructive conflict has the potential to permanently disable a group. Constructive conflict results when group members express disagreement in a way that values everyone’s contributions and promotes the group’s goal. Figure 7.2 characterizes the differences between destructive and constructive conflict. Groups committed to constructive conflict abide by the following principles:5 ■ Disagreement is not punished. “I’m not afraid of being fired for disagreeing with other members.” 314397_CH_07.qxd 10/23/03 8:59 AM Page 149 7: Conflict and Cohesion in Groups 149 FIGURE 7.2 Constructive Conflict Destructive Conflict Constructive and •Focus on Issues • Personal Attacks Destructive • Respect for Others • Insults Conflict • Supportiveness • Defensiveness •Flexibility • Inflexibility • Cooperation • Competition •Commitment to Conflict Management • Avoidance of Conflict ■ Members work with each other to achieve a mutually satisfying resolution of conflict. “We can work this out. After all, we’re all after the same thing in the long run.” ■ Lower-status members are free to disagree with higher-status group members. “I know she’s the CEO, but I think there are some disadvantages to the approach she suggests.” ■ The group has an agreed-upon approach for conflict resolution and deci- sion making. “Our group is using the Nominal Group Technique, so I know my ideas will be heard and included.” ■ Members can disagree and still respect each other. “The group may not like my idea, but members would never personally attack me for expressing my opinion.” Constructive group conflict has many positive outcomes. Issues and people are better understood through an open exchange. The quality of decision mak- ing improves as opposing viewpoints and concerns are discussed. Expressing dif- ferences constructively can make a group discussion more interesting and promote participation. Conflict Styles There are many ways of identifying and classifying different styles of conflict. One of the most preferred methods suggests that individuals are predisposed to using one of the following five conflict styles: avoidance, accommodation, com- petition, compromise, and collaboration.6 These five styles can be further understood by examining the extent to which a group member’s approach to conflict is focused on achieving personal goals and/or the group’s goal. Members 314397_CH_07.qxd 10/23/03 8:59 AM Page 150 150 PART II Interaction Skills FIGURE 7.3 High COMPETITION COLLABORATION Conflict Styles “I win; you lose.” “We win!” Concern COMPROMISE for Own “Give a little; get a little.” Goals AVOIDANCE ACCOMMODATION Low “Leave me alone.” “I give in.” Low High Concern for Group Goals who are motivated to achieve their own goals tend to choose more competitive approaches. Cooperative members are usually more concerned with achieving the group’s goals. Figure 7.3 illustrates the relationship of each conflict style to a group member’s motivation. ■ Avoidance When members are unable or unwilling to accomplish their own goals or con- tribute to achieving the group’s goal, they may adopt the avoidance conflict style. Group members using this style may change the subject, avoid bringing up a controversial issue, and even deny that a conflict exists. Avoiding conflict in groups is usually counterproductive because it fails to address a problem and can increase group tensions. Furthermore, ignoring or avoiding conflict does not make it go away. However, in some circumstances, avoidance of conflict can be an appropri- ate approach, specifically when ■ the issue is not that important to you. ■ you need to take time to collect your thoughts or control your emotions. ■ other group members are effectively addressing the same concerns. ■ the consequences of confrontation are too risky. ■ Accommodation Group members using the accommodating conflict style give in to other mem- bers at the expense of their own goals. A genuine desire to get along with other 314397_CH_07.qxd 10/23/03 8:59 AM Page 151 7: Conflict and Cohesion in Groups 151 group members is often the motivation of accommodators. Such members believe that giving in to others serves the needs of the group even when the group could benefit from further discussion. A group member who always approaches conflict by accommodating others may ultimately be perceived as less powerful and have less influence in group decision making. Accommodating during conflict can be an appropriate approach when ■ the issue is very important to others but not very important to you. ■ it is more important to preserve group harmony than to resolve the current issue. ■ you realize you are wrong or have changed your mind. ■ you are unlikely to succeed in persuading the group to adopt your position. ■ Competition The competitive conflict style occurs when group members are more concerned with their own goals than with meeting the needs of the group. Competitive members want to win; they argue that their ideas are superior to the alternatives suggested by others. When used inappropriately, the competitive style may be characterized by hostility, ridicule, and personal attacks against group mem- bers. Approaching conflict competitively tends to reduce group members to winners and losers. Ultimately, this may damage the relationships among group members. In certain group situations, however, the competitive approach may be the most appropriate style. Approach conflict competitively when ■ you have strong beliefs about an important issue. ■ the group must act immediately on an urgent issue or emergency situation. ■ the consequences of the group’s decision may be very serious or harmful.