ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution
Two sales managers at Zenith Ltd openly disagree about whether to enter a new market. Each presents data, and the board ultimately chooses a plan that combines the best elements of both proposals. Which effect of conflict does this best illustrate?
This is functional conflict. The managers' open disagreement brought out data and ideas, and the board used them to build a better combined plan. Conflict is dysfunctional only when it damages performance or relationships; here it improved decision quality, and neither view was suppressed.
- ADysfunctional conflict, because the managers disagreed publicly
- BFunctional conflict, because the disagreement stimulated ideas and improved the decisionCorrect
- CGroupthink, because the board reached a consensus
- DConflict suppression, because the board overrode one manager
Explanation
The disagreement led to the airing of evidence and a better combined decision, which is the hallmark of functional conflict. Public disagreement alone does not make conflict dysfunctional. Groupthink involves a lack of challenge, which is absent here, and neither manager's view was suppressed since elements of both were adopted.
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 statement best reflects the modern (interactionist) view of conflict in organisations?
- Priya, a team leader, has two staff who disagree about how to approach a project. She tells them to ignore the disagreement and carry on, ho…
- At Marlow plc, the production and marketing teams have been in conflict for a year. Marketing now sends customer requirements to production …
- Two departments each need the same shared budget of $100,000. Neither can be fully satisfied, so each agrees to accept $50,000 and give up p…
- During a serious data breach, the IT director instructs the team to follow an emergency procedure immediately and does not invite discussion…
- Two managers at Ardent plc disagree about a new product launch. Instead of bargaining over positions, they jointly explore each party's unde…