By Afolabi Akinkuehin
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations journal defines conflict as an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties, who perceive incompatible goals, scare rewards or resources and interference from the other party in achieving their goals.
Today, we shall talk about what exactly leads to conflicts.
Tilley (1994) researched nine characteristics of social relationship that can lead to conflicts:
1.Conflict of interest: If two parties want a particular thing which is perceived to be scarce resources or rewards, then there is tendency that conflict will result.
2. Communication Barriers: If communication is not regular and clear, misunderstanding will ensure which leads to conflicts.
3. Differential in organization: The greater the level of differential in an organization such as levels of authority, types, and number of specific tasks, the great the potential for conflicts.
4. Association of parties (Groups): When parties interact frequently in decision making, situations and informally , the more opportunities for conflicts increase. However, major incidence of conflicts increases as participation increases.
5. Behavior Regulation: Conflicts are greater when controls such as rules, regulations, formal policies are exposed.
6. Unresolved prior conflicts: As the number of prior conflicts that are unresolved increases, so do the possibilities for more conflicts in the future.
7. Need for Consensus: When all the parties have to agree to an outcome, disagreements and conflicts tend to escalate.
8. Ambiguous Jurisdiction: If job responsibilities and authorities are not clear, the possibilities of conflicts increase. Clear demarcation of job function are therefore, imperative.
9. Over- Dependence of one party: If one party depends heavily on the other resources or tasks, the likelihood of conflicts is very high. The likelihood of conflicts is highest when the needs of the dependent party are not met. Conflicts may arise from discrepancies between expected, perceived and enacted role.
Source: NIPR & IAA Journals Digips 404
- Akinkuehin is the Chief Executive of Distinct Guides Institute of Professional Studies, 206 Arakale Road, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
+ 2348064464664
