Conflict Management :: Conflict Process Model, McShane, Von Glinow

Introduction In order of being able to analyze the sources of conflicts regarding the clothing manufacturer, I will present the Conflict Process Model according to McShane and Von Glinow. Therefore, I will first define what conflicts are, and second present the different sources of conflicts and carve out which conflicts are involved regarding to the given case. The third step is to explain two different strategies to minimize these conflicts in future. Finally, I will provide a recommendation and conclusion. The Conflict Process Model – Sources of Conflicts and Conflict Management According to McShane and Von Glinow, conflict is â€Å"a process in which one party perceives that his or her interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party† (328). The Conflict Process Model begins with the different sources of conflict; these sources lead one or more parties to perceive that a conflict exists. These perceptions interact with emotions and manifest themselves in the behavior towards other parties. The arrows in the figure illustrate the series of conflict episodes that cycle into conflict escalation (McShane and Von Glinow 331-332). Figure 3 Model of the Conflict Process Source: McShane and Von Glinow 332. This model distinguishes six possible sources of conflict that may arise: incompatible goals, differentiation, interdependence, scarce resources, ambiguous rules, and communication problem (McShane and Von Glinow 332-333). Incompatible goals involves that â€Å"the goal of one person or department seem to interfere with another person’s or department’s goal† (McShane and Von Glinow 333). Differentiation is described as the â€Å"difference among people, departments, and other entities regarding their training, values, beliefs, and experiences† (McShane and Von Glinow 333). Interdependence â€Å"occurs where individuals operate interdependently except for reliance on a common source or authority† (McShane and Von Glinow 335). Scarce Resources are a source of conflict when several persons or units require the same recourse to fulfill their goals. Ambiguous Rules occur as a source of conflict because â€Å"uncertainty increases the risk that one party intends to interfere with the other party’s goals† (McShane and Von Glinow 335). Communication Problems are a source of conflict â€Å"due to the lack of opportunity, ability, or motivation to communicate effectively† (McShane and Von Glinow 333). One of the major sources of the conflicts, regarding to the given case, is incompatible goals: â€Å"the new executives clashed with the current executives regarding business strategy† another evidence for that is that the CEO says they 'ended up with an old team and a new team and they weren't on the same wavelength'.