Conflict, Power & Politics 39 Conflict, Power & Politics

What’s Conflict Inter group conflict requires three ingredients: Group identification Observable group differences Frustration If one group achieves its goals, the other group will not.

What’s Conflict Inter group conflict can then be defined as “the behavior that occurs among groups when participants identify with one group and perceive that other groups may block their group’s goal achievement or expectations” Inter group conflicts in organizations can be horizontal or vertical

Why Conflict Exists? The sources of inter group conflict are: Goal incompatibility Differentiation Task interdependence Limited resources The degree of severity of these sources determines whether a rational or political model of behavior is used within organization to accomplish goals.

Rational vs. Political Model When conflict is low Rational model of organization (just like rational decision making behavior) can be used. It’s characterized by pooled interdependence, centralization, extensive information systems and an efficiency orientation. The opposite view of organizational processes is the Political model (use of power)