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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution

A manager argues that a moderate level of conflict within a team can sometimes be beneficial. Which view of conflict does this reflect, and what is a valid reason?

This reflects the interactionist view, which holds that a moderate level of conflict can stimulate creativity and prevent complacency. The traditional view regards conflict as always harmful and the unitary view assumes shared interests, so neither supports the manager's argument that some conflict is beneficial.

  1. AThe interactionist view: some conflict can stimulate creativity and challenge complacencyCorrect
  2. BThe traditional view: conflict signals poor management and should be eliminated
  3. CThe unitary view: all staff share identical interests so conflict cannot arise
  4. DThe classical view: conflict is resolved by stricter rules and supervision

Explanation

The interactionist view holds that an optimal level of conflict can prevent stagnation and encourage new ideas. The traditional view treats all conflict as harmful, and the unitary view denies that conflict is legitimate, so both contradict the manager's argument.

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