comprehension of conflict

For me constructive conflict management means to lead conflicts to solutions that entail minimal costs /efforts and present acceptable ways out for the involved parties. Conflicts should generally be accepted in any healthy company culture but there are certain conflicts that should not arise at all. The involved persons’ ability to deal with conflicts should be considered an important skill. To recognize and evaluate conflicts is an important first step to adequately manage the same. The Conflict Cost Calculator decisively contributes to this ability.

hypotheses

• Conflicts arise in every organization
• The direct determination of conflict-related costs is impossible due to the intricacy of the consequences
• The conflict cost structures in organizations show general similarities
• Constructive conflict management offers considerable potential to increase the efficiency of organizations (companies, authorities, public service agencies…)

basic understanding of constructive conflict management

• For me constructive conflict management means the general acceptance of conflicts, though guided by the awareness that certain conflicts do not have to arise at all.
• In case of conflicts precautions should be taken to limit their dimension and thus their damaging potential as well as the length of their effects.
• The involved persons’ ability to deal with conflicts should be considered an important skill to be able to preserve the mutual appreciation while preventing negative long-term effects and suffering of individuals.
• Finally, constructive conflict management also includes offering or commonly developing suitable ways out of the conflict situation and towards sustainable alternatives.