A Definition Of Conflict.

 

Definition of Conflict

We can define conflict as a process that begins when one party perceives another party has (or is about) to negatively affect something the first party cares about. This definition is purposely broad. It describes that point in any ongoing activity when an interaction crosses over to become an interparty conflict. 

 

Transitions in Conflict Thought

One school of thought has argued that conflict must be avoided and that it indicates a malfunctioning within the group. We call this the traditional view. Another perspective proposes not only that conflict can be a positive force in a group but that some conflict is absolutely necessary for a group to perform effectively. We label this as the interactionist view. Finally, recent research argues that instead of encouraging “good” or discouraging “bad” conflict, it is more important to resolve naturally occurring conflicts productively . This perspective is the managed conflict view.