Understanding Conflict and Power in Groups

Conflict

Disagreement or clash between group members due to differences in goals, values, or perspectives.

Human Relations View of Conflict

Natural and inevitable.

Interactionist View of Conflict

Positive force, necessary for a group to perform effectively.

Task conflict

Content and goals.

Relationship conflict

Interpersonal conflict.

Process conflict

How task should be accomplished.

Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)

Developed by Dr. Kenneth W. Thomas and Dr. Ralph H. Kilmann, it assesses assertiveness and cooperativeness.

Competing

Assertive and uncooperative; individuals pursue their own concerns at the expense of others.

Collaborating

Assertive and cooperative; individuals work together to find solutions that satisfy both parties.

Compromising

Intermediate in both assertiveness and cooperativeness; individuals seek a middle ground.

Accommodating

Unassertive and cooperative; individuals neglect their own concerns to satisfy the concerns of others.

Avoiding

Unassertive and uncooperative; individuals do not immediately pursue their own concerns or those of the other person.

Power

Refers to a potential to influence another person or group to do something that would not otherwise have been done.

Informal Power

Influence based on expertise, personality, or connections, not official position.

Formal Power

Authority granted through organizational hierarchy (e.g., a team leader or project manager).

Legitimate Power

Position of authority held.

Reward Power

Control over rewards.

Coercive Power

Control over punishments.

Expert Power

Control because of knowledge, skill or ability.

Informational Power

Control over information.

Referent Power

Subordinate respect.

Persuasive Power

Ability to use logic and facts to persuade.

Delegation

Sharing power to build trust and empower others.

Transparency

Sharing decision-making processes to reduce misunderstandings.

Empathy

Understanding others' perspectives to influence decisions positively.

Persuasion

Convincing the other party to accept your position.

Reciprocity

Offering concessions to gain favorable outcomes.

Social Influence

Using social norms or peer pressure to sway decisions.