What Is Conflict

1. Managing conflict begins with an
understanding of what conflict is.

2. Is an expressed struggle between at least two
interdependent people who perceive
incompatible goals, scarce resources, and
interference from others to achieve specific
goals. (Beebe and Masterson, 2009)
Other Definitions
Conflict is a disagreement through which the parties
involved perceive a threat to their needs, interests,
or concerns. (Webne-Behrman)
A fight, battle, or war; a competitive or opposing
action of incompatibles; a mental struggle resulting
from opposing needs; the opposition of persons or
forces that gives rise to dramatic action (conflict,
2009)

3. Expressed Struggle
Verbal and nonverbal expressions of
disagreement
Between at Least Two Interdependent People
What happens to one person has an impact on
others in the group
Incompatible Goals, Scarce Resources, and
Interference
Two or more people want the same thing and
both parties can’t have it
Achieving a Goal
The parties involved want something

4. Conflict does not just “happen”
It is a result from differences between group
members
Personality, perception, information, culture, power,
or influence differences
Other sources of conflict (National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration)
Competition
People believe that someone must win and someone must
lose
Lack of Respect
Not appreciating or understanding the views of others
Emotions
People might take things personally

5. 1.In Group Discussions, Conflict Should Be
Avoided at All Costs
Actually conflict can enhance learning when
group members become challenged to research
issues because of conflict.
2.All Conflict Occurs Because People Do Not
Understand One Another
Sometimes conflicts intensify when
understanding takes place. Not everyone will
empathize just because they understand.
3.All Conflict Can Be Resolved
Not all conflict can be resolved, but groups
should attempt to resolved conflict.

6. Beebe, S. A., & Masterson , J. T. (2009).
Communicating in small groups. Boston, MA: Pearson
Education, Inc.
conflict. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Retrieved November 19, 2009, from
http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/conflict
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Coastal Services Center. (n.d.). Survival skills for
coastal resource managersRetrieved from
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cmfp/process/conflict_cau
ses.htm
Webne-Behrman, H. Conflict resolution. Retrieved from
http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/onlinetraining/resolution
/index.asp