ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution
A project team is in conflict over how to prioritise features of a new product. Conflict has been moderate, ideas are being tested against evidence, and the team still shares the same overall goal. Later, the dispute turns personal, members stop speaking to each other and the deadline is missed. Which statement best explains the change?
The conflict started as functional, being task-focused with a shared goal, but became dysfunctional when it turned into personal hostility and communication broke down, causing the missed deadline. Intensity and focus determine whether conflict helps or harms performance.
- AConflict that began as task-focused and functional became dysfunctional once it shifted to personal hostility and damaged cooperationCorrect
- BThe conflict was always dysfunctional because any disagreement over priorities harms project outcomes
- CThe conflict became functional once members stopped communicating, as this removed distractions
Explanation
Task-focused disagreement with a shared goal tends to be functional. When it becomes personal, communication breaks down and goals are missed, it becomes dysfunctional. It is therefore wrong to say it was always dysfunctional, or that silence made it functional.
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