Managing Organizational Conflict: A Model for Diagnosis and Intervention

Afzalur Rahim, Thomas V. Bonoma

Psychological Reports · 1979 · 641 citations · 46 references

Concepts

TL;DR

Organizational conflicts are classified into intrapersonal, intragroup, and intergroup types, stemming from personal‑cultural and structural factors. The authors argue that diagnosing these factors is essential for designing interventions that maintain a moderate level of conflict and teach members effective conflict‑handling styles.

Abstract

Conflicts occurring in or as a result of membership in organizations can be classified into three major categories: intrapersonal, intragroup, and intergroup. Conflicts in each category result from various personal-cultural and organizational structure factors. These factors may be identified through appropriate diagnosis and their effects on and implications for each of the three levels of conflicts established. Such a diagnosis is a prerequisite for the appropriate development and implementation of intervention strategies. The management of organizational conflicts involves diagnosis and intervention to maintain a moderate amount of conflict and help the organizational members learn various styles for effective handling of different conflict situations.

References

46