Causes Of Workplace Conflict

Conflict is a part of many different aspects of life, whether it is family, friends, school, or in the workplace. Workplace conflict is something every employee, boss, or supervisor will experience, but being able to identify and resolve the issue is key to a productive and functioning organization.

Conflict occurs often in the workplace when a group of individuals are working together and have different attitudes, values, or needs. According to Horton, causes of conflict can be very complex but often result in the following six categories: different cultures, differing values or beliefs, lack of sensitivity, poor interpersonal skills, limited resources (Horton, 2014). Often conflicts are mutual can be identified between two different types:

Determining the cause is the first step in resolving conflict, then developing a solution, followed by creating alternative options, next communicating key decisions, and lastly executing the agreed solutions (Van De Wilert, 1999). Noticing key sings in conflict is also an important step in helping resolve conflict. According to Horton, gossip, not completing work on-time, absenteeism, blame, and lack of communication are all signs of a conflict (Horton, 2009). When you acknowledge the sings of conflict, the conflict can either be resolved more quickly or can be totally prevented. In the office of Ghost Rock, conflict arises, and sometimes on a personal level. Ghost Rock is run by a married couple, who often see things differently. However, while there is conflicts or disagreements of how to handle the situation, the conflict resolution is often positive. One conflict arises in the office a meeting is held with all team members present. The issue at hand is discussed, measured, and a resolution is developed based on a compromise or majority ruling. It is important to analyze both verbal, non-verbal communication, and listening to each team members point of

In order to release some tension, Ghost Rock employees often use humor as a way to the couple. The sharing of funny articles, pictures, or memes are used to show a way empathy for one another. Posting a meme or a funny picture that is related to the tension or conflict in the office, employees show an understanding or awareness of another’s struggle. Ghost Rock uses humor to brand their business, retain happy employees, and attract a specific clientele. While conflict is a part of the workplace, resolving an ongoing conflict is important to address. While I have not experienced a serious conflict while working at Ghost Rock, the protocol has been put into place. If a serious issue is to arise a meeting will be held with everyone present. In the meeting, the issue will be addressed in a formal setting, and the issues will be laid out for everyone to process through. The majority ruling is the most common resolution unless the supervisors feel that is it going against the company’s values and