The Latent Conflict Stage

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Organisational conflict proceeds through several distinct stage; and stems from several unique sources.
Latent conflict stage
Conflict has its genesis in an early state. The elements necessary for conflicts are present in this type stage, but they are always visible. Where a latent conflict condition exists, one would probably find some combination of general uneasiness, perhaps apprehension, differences of opinion, different values and limited resources.
Perceived conflict stage
The next stage occurs when the conflict is perceived and experienced by those involved. In this stage, people will feel more tense, hostile and aggressive. They will begin to see the dimensions of the conflict taking shape. Battle lines are sketched out, and contingency …show more content…

Authors have various explanations for the determinants of this kind of conflict. Greenhaus and Beutell (1985) suggest that conflict occurs when either time devoted to the requirements of one role, or strain from participating in a role or finally, specific behaviours required by a role, make it difficult to fulfil the requirements of another. Moreover, conflict intensifies when roles are salient, central to the individual’s self-concept or when there are negative consequences for not meeting role demands.
Work and family have increasingly become antagonist spheres, equally greedy of energy and time and responsible for work-family interference. Work/non-work conflict is generally defined in the literature as occurring when the emotional and behavioural demands of work and non-work roles are incompatible, such that participation in one role is made more difficult by virtue of participation in the other. Work-family conflict can be defined as a source of stress resulting from irreconcilable pressure from the work and …show more content…

Conflict is a manifestation of stress due to competing role demands, conflict is considered a bi-directional construct, in that work can interfere with family (i.e., work-to-family conflict and family can interfere with work. Work Family Conflict (WFC) takes place when the demands of work come in conflict with the time / attention given to family. Workplace characteristics like the number of hours worked per week, the amount and frequency of overtime required, an inflexible work schedule, unsupportive supervisor, and an inhospitable organizational culture create conflict between the work and family role. Family-work conflict (FWC) is also a type of inter-role conflict in which family and work responsibilities are not compatible.
1.8.6 Types of Work Life Conflict
Three types of conflict have been identified in literature: time-based, strain-based, and behaviour based (Greenhaus and Beutell, 1985).
Time-based

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