Exam 11: Managing Conflict

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

The traditional view of conflict, often referred to as the classical view, is a perspective that was predominant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to this view, conflict is seen as a dysfunctional outcome resulting from poor communication, a lack of openness and trust between people, and the failure of managers to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of their employees. It was perceived as a negative phenomenon that was harmful to an organization.

Key characteristics of the traditional view of conflict include:

1. **Negative Connotations**: Conflict was considered bad and something that must be avoided. It was associated with terms like destruction, violence, and irrationality.

2. **Disruptive Effects**: Conflict was thought to lead to decreased efficiency, reduced cooperation, and lower productivity within an organization.

3. **Poor Management**: The occurrence of conflict was attributed to the failure of managers to create proper work conditions and to manage their teams effectively.

4. **Win-Lose Outcomes**: When conflicts did occur, they were approached with a win-lose mindset, where one party's gain was seen as the other party's loss.

5. **Resolution and Suppression**: The primary goal when dealing with conflict was to suppress it or resolve it as quickly as possible to restore order and stability.

The traditional view did not recognize any potential positive outcomes of conflict, such as the possibility for growth, innovation, or change that can arise from the clash of different ideas and perspectives. It was only later, with the development of the human relations and interactionist views of conflict, that the potential benefits of conflict began to be acknowledged and managed in a way that could contribute to an organization's success.