Cross-Departmental Rivalry (The Departmental Conflicts)

Cross-Departmental Rivalry (The Departmental Conflicts)

It occurs when different teams or departments within an organization compete rather than collaborate.

what's it?
when it happens?
what are the significant effects on productivity
what are the Resolving Strategies?
what are the Avoiding Strategies?

by Mohamed Karam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/engmohammedkaram/

1. CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL
RIVALRY

Departmental Conflicts

Mohamed Karam | 2024

2. 2
CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL RIVALRY

It occurs when different teams or departments within an
organization compete rather than collaborate.

It often stems from structural differences, not just personal
conflicts.
These rivalries can hinder project success and operational

efficiency.
Mohamed Karam | 2024

3. CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL RIVALRY

To address them, leaders should facilitate conversations to help
departments understand each other's value, capabilities, and
mutual success commitments

Mohamed Karam | 2024

4. 4
CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL RIVALRY

It can have significant effects on productivity:
- Stress and Reduced Morale:

Prolonged exposure to conflicts increases stress levels among
employees, leading to decreased morale and motivation

Mohamed Karam | 2024

5. CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL RIVALRY

It can have significant effects on productivity:

- Undermined Trust: When conflicts persist, trust erodes,
hindering collaboration and teamwork.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

6. CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL RIVALRY

It can have significant effects on productivity:

- Negative Atmosphere: A hostile environment affects focus and
creativity, impacting the team's ability to deliver results.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

7. RESOLVING STRATEGIES:

a) Early Identification

- Recognize conflicts at their inception.

- Regular team meetings and open feedback channels help
detect underlying tensions early on.

- Monitor project metrics like missed deadlines or declining

morale as potential conflict indicators.
Mohamed Karam | 2024

8. RESOLVING STRATEGIES:

b) Open Communication

- Foster transparent dialogue among team/department
members.

- Encourage them to share concerns without fear of retribution.
- Address conflicts openly, promoting understanding and
empathy.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

9. RESOLVING STRATEGIES:

c) Understand Conflict Styles

- Be aware of your conflict management style and triggers.
- Understand the conflict styles of your team members.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

10. 10
RESOLVING STRATEGIES:

d) Seek Resolution, Not Victory

- Focus on finding solutions that benefit everyone rather than
winning arguments.

- Compromise when necessary to reach a mutually beneficial
outcome.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

11. 11
AVOIDING STRATEGIES:

a) Clear Communication Channels:
- Foster open communication between departments.

- Regularly share updates, goals, and challenges to maintain
alignment.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

12. 12
AVOIDING STRATEGIES:

b) Shared Objectives:
- Ensure that all departments understand the organization's

overall mission.
- Align departmental goals with this broader purpose.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

13. 13
AVOIDING STRATEGIES:

c) Collaborative Projects:

- Encourage cross-functional Tasks.
- When teams work together, they build understanding and trust.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

14. AVOIDING STRATEGIES:

d) Conflict Resolution Training:
- Provide conflict management workshops.

- Equip employees with skills to handle disagreements
constructively.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

14

15. 15
AVOIDING STRATEGIES:

e) Leadership Example:

- Leaders should model collaboration and cooperation.
- Their behavior sets the tone for the entire organization.

Mohamed Karam | 2024

16. THANK YOU

Mohamed Katam