Causes of Workplace Conflicts
Workplace conflicts can be defined as collective disputes that significantly impact the interests of employees, which may arise between company management and employees while working on specific projects. Several factors can contribute to the emergence of conflicts in various work environments, including the following:
Poor Communication
One of the primary causes of conflicts in the workplace is inadequate communication among employees. Poor communication often leads to misunderstandings and the spread of incorrect information.
Moreover, a lack of essential work-related information can occur, resulting in misinterpretations due to insufficient, unclear communication. It is important to note that effective communication includes not only interactions among employees but also between management and staff.
Ambiguity of Responsibilities
Ambiguity in roles and responsibilities is another major contributor to workplace conflicts. This refers to the lack of clarity regarding the specific tasks assigned to each employee. Such conflicts often stem from management’s failure to clearly outline and communicate these responsibilities to the employees.
Interconnected Tasks
There is a correlation between the degree of task interdependence among employees and the likelihood of conflicts arising. Increased friction often results from discussions that escalate due to interconnected tasks, which can lead to differing opinions. However, this interconnection can also foster collaboration among employees, enabling them to complete tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Lack of Shared Performance Standards
Establishing fairness within a company is crucial, especially as discrepancies in performance standards—particularly those related to financial aspects like bonus and incentive systems—can lead to disputes.
For instance, if there are no unified standards in the reward system, discrepancies may occur. Production employees might be rewarded based on their long-term efficiency, measured by the low volume of produced items, while sales managers may receive rewards for short-term market responsiveness. This discrepancy can lead to conflicts, emphasizing the need for tailored standards for each role.
Increased Workload
Some companies engage in practices that can lead to conflicts, such as operating with an insufficient number of staff and offloading tasks onto existing employees. This results in heightened pressure and an increased workload for employees; when they feel overwhelmed by unmanageable responsibilities, it can lead to significant stress, culminating in disputes between them and management.
Individual Differences
Individual differences among employees, such as personal abilities, traits, and skills, can significantly affect interpersonal dynamics, potentially leading to behaviors such as dominance or aggression. These factors can impact how individuals manage conflicts, thereby contributing to the overall reasons for workplace disputes.