Activities for Conflict Resolution

Conflict may arise wherever there is disagreement with the policies, or differences between the actions of two or more person. This may be a result of an attempt to secure personal interests by treading over that of others. Conflict sometimes may arise because of misunderstanding between the parties. There is no fix criterion which we can define as conflict prone. Wherever there are people living or working together, conflict may arise. A lot depend upon the activities you can do to avoid conflict or activities for conflict resolution.

In some situations people find conflict a good sign of improvement or development but it is not so always. In most of the cases conflict creates differences, dissentions, strain, affects future prospects, and may even result in complete destruction and deviation from the cause hence spoils the joy of life. Here is a brief discussion about the conflicting factors in families and at work and activities for conflict resolution that you can adopt to minimise its aftermath.

Communication - The most important activity for conflict resolution. This is first thing to avoid conflict and an equally important tool to help you resolve conflict. Most of the conflicts arise because of misunderstanding between two or more family members, spouse, team members, employees, partners or volunteers. Misunderstanding emerges because of lack of communication or miscommunication. As we say that everything that shines is not gold, everything that we see or hear may not mean what we deem it to be. Hence, any such situation should be avoided by clear communication at home or work. In case you feel that someone is taking your statements or actions otherwise, or you have abstracted an uncanny message from someone’s words or action, the right thing to do is to talk with him/her and clear the matter to what it exactly is. This of your action would certainly resolve conflicts at home and work both.

Change Management – It has also been noted that most of the time conflict erupts in situations where change has been introduced from the routine activities. It may be a change in routine at family such as applying force to change the habit of spouse or children or at work such as in cases of mergers, acquisitions, or implementing new HR policies, etc. There can be disagreement between individuals and differences of opinion between two parties which may result into conflict and may even culminate into serious disputes if not addressed properly and in a timely manner.

Changes should not be enforced abruptly. If you need to introduce change in a routine, either at home or work, you need to put forth your view as a suggestion with clear reasons to support the same, not as a final decision to be complied with. You can then ask others views and convince them of the viability of this change in mutual benefits that it would result in. Involving employees in HR decisions improves their commitment towards its compliance and renders a great deal of satisfaction within the organizations.

Roles and Responsibilities – It has been seen that lack of clarity about people’s role in organization or family can easily create conflicting situations. It is therefore a necessary measure that you clearly outline the role of individuals in a team, group, family or business. The concerned person should have a clear idea of what he/she is expected to do and what are his/her upper / lower limitations. Effective HR management often make these things clear at the time of appointment of individuals and instruct them to work in their orbit only, without interfering in that of others. Proper job description or policy documents should be drafted and kept updated with any change in the process.

Consultation – It has been experienced that conflicts can be resolved amicably with due arbitration in the matter. All big organizations have distinguished conflict resolution centre which look afters such cases and resolves the disputes. Small organizations can also hold a senior person or management employee to handle such matters and provide an impartial solution of the dispute. Likewise, a senior member in the family may provide better conflict resolution.

The above discussion provides a good guide to the activities for conflict resolution at home and works both. However, prevention is always better than cure; hence the main emphasis should be put on avoiding such conflicting situations at the first place.

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