The three main sources of conflict are:

  1. Emotional: conflicts which are generally based on misunderstanding, and might be characterised by anger, fear or other strong emotions which cloud issues.  
  2. Values-based: although individuals are entitled to hold different beliefs and views, it is sometimes difficult to accept this.
  3. Needs-based : where two parties either have different needs or both parties have the same needs but there are insufficient resources to meet them both fully.

Understanding and managing conflict at work

The three main sources of conflict are:

Emotional—conflicts which are generally based on misunderstanding, and might be characterised by anger, fear or other strong emotions which cloud issues.  

Values-based—although individuals are entitled to hold different beliefs and views, it is sometimes difficult to accept this.  

Needs-based—where two parties either have different needs or both parties have the same needs but there are insufficient resources to meet them both fully.

This module covers:

  • Conflict and its causes
  • The cost and stages of conflict
  • Responses to conflict
  • Identifying the cause of the conflict using communication skills
  • Problem-solving and negotiation
  • Conflicts that cannot be resolved