ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution
Two department heads at Marlow Ltd disagree over who should control a shared budget. Which of the following best describes the source of conflict in this situation?
The conflict arises from competition for scarce resources. Both department heads want control of the same limited budget, and resource scarcity is a standard source of organisational conflict. Nothing in the scenario points to personal values, missing structure or working conditions as the cause.
- ACompetition for scarce resourcesCorrect
- BDifferences in personal values only
- CA lack of any formal structure
- DPoor physical working conditions
Explanation
A dispute over who controls a shared budget is a struggle over limited resources, a classic source of organisational conflict. The other options do not describe the situation: nothing suggests values clash alone, absent structure, or working conditions.
Did you get it right without looking?
One question tells you little. A timed set on Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.
More Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution questions
- Which of the following is a recognised dysfunctional effect of prolonged conflict between two departments?
- Two sales managers at Zenith Ltd openly disagree about whether to enter a new market. Each presents data, and the board ultimately chooses a…
- A manager at Orbis Co argues that some conflict between project teams is beneficial because it prompts debate and challenges complacent thin…
- In the Thomas-Kilmann conflict model, which style combines a high level of assertiveness with a high level of cooperativeness, so that both …
- A procurement manager is negotiating with a supplier. She focuses on the underlying needs of both sides, such as reliable delivery for her f…
- Two department heads disagree about how to share a limited training budget. Each gives up part of what they wanted so that both receive roug…