Group conflict is a confrontation between groups of people with different systems of values and interests. In any society, there are groups that are hostile to each other. It's quite normal. But in order for people to be able to communicate normally with each other, one must be able to find compromises. How to do it? Read below.
Definition
Group conflict is a confrontation between parties with different interests, aspirations and goals. The subjects of the conflict are members of two or more groups. People tend to rally in order to defend their interests and value systems. Like-minded people help to understand that there are people in this world who share and support the individual's value system. What is the object of conflict? Disputes between groups are different. People defend their interests, ideological values and personal benefits. Groups fight for status, power and resources. Such a struggle took place between people from time immemorial.
And what is a conflict? This is a confrontation between two groups. Conflict is a disagreement of interests that leads to serious disagreement between people. Most often, such a reaction is accompanied by a strong emotional recovery. And as a rule, emotions are very negative.
Kinds
Conflicts are different. There are three main types:
- Open. People do not hide their emotions and feelings from others. They openly declare their rights and desires. A collective mind helps each individual feel their worth. A group of like-minded people can resist another group longer. One individual is unable to wage a long struggle without moral support. Such conflicts are resolved quickly, as they are too obvious and impossible to ignore.
- Hidden. A group of people will not always state their demands openly. Often people try to veil their demands so that they sound more censored and tactful. Such conflicts can often be seen in the enterprise. Dissatisfied workers are afraid to immediately express their dissatisfaction. They will hide their true intentions under various pretexts. A hidden conflict cannot be resolved quickly unless its cause is identified immediately.
- Potential. A group conflict, which is currently not too serious, can ripen for years. And it will break out when circumstances will help strengthen the position of the group.
Solutions
How to resolve the conflict? There are two solutions that help resolve problems.
- Antagonistic. The group conflict in this case will be resolved until some group wins. This method is considered very tough. The opposing parties will use any methods in order to defeat the enemy. In this case, the saying "the end justifies the means" fits perfectly. The affected group will dislike the winner and immediately try to take revenge.
- Compromise. The development of the conflict will occur without any consequences. Groups of people will find a solution to the problem that will satisfy both warring parties. This method of troubleshooting is the most reasonable, since relations between people do not deteriorate, because both opposing groups achieve partial satisfaction of their requirements.
Functions
Conflicts are an integral part of any relationship. Therefore, do not be surprised that they have both positive and negative functions.
- Rallying like-minded people. A collective mind helps you quickly achieve your goals. People come together and function well as a group. United by common interests, they can create something new, find interesting solutions to problems and quickly achieve their goals.
- Discharge voltage. Any misunderstanding leads to a tense atmosphere in the group. People cannot think soberly, as their nervous system is in tension. A successful resolution of the conflict helps a person throw out their emotions and feel better.
- Emotional costs. People who are in conflict with someone injure their nervous system. They cannot focus on anything else but their problems. And until the conflict is resolved, they will be in limbo.
Stages
Each conflict goes through several stages of development from the onset to a successful resolution.
- Occurrence of a problem. At the first stage, the essence of the issue is revealed, and a group of people tries to achieve their goals with adequate methods. Negotiations are underway, the opinions of the parties are revealed, and opponents appear.
- Open conflict. If at the first stage it is not possible to come to a common opinion, then a cold or open war sets in. Groups discuss in elevated tones, get annoyed and try to achieve what they want in every possible way.
- Building relationships. After resolving the conflict, it is not always possible to quickly establish relations between members of different groups. If a particular group has won, then opponents can hold a grudge, which will be the reason for a new conflict. Therefore, when resolving any contentious issue, it is necessary to find a compromise.
Causes
The sources of conflict in any group are the same. People want to achieve their goals, therefore, unite. What often causes conflict?
- Social inequality. It just so happened that always some people are in a privileged position. Such persons are smart, educated, and wealthy. They do not want to let people with less income into their circle. This state of affairs does not suit the oppressed. They want a better life and increase their status.
- Misunderstanding. Each person is free to interpret events by virtue of their development, intelligence and morality. Looking at the same problem the same way never works. Therefore, conflicts arise that divide society into several parts.
- The struggle for power. No matter how good the power, there will always be those who are dissatisfied. Who is to blame and what to do in such a situation, everyone decides for himself. Most often, people are divided into groups. Some support the current order of things, while others want to change management, believing that living with a change of power will be better.
- Generational difference. Young people are liberals, and older members of society are most often conservative. Differences in views and interests often cause conflict.
Conflict Resolution Steps
To successfully resolve a controversial issue, you need to put the problem on the shelves and then eliminate it.
- Diagnostics. At this stage, the groups work out their requirements, choose a strategy that they will follow in order to win the opposing side.
- Discussion. Collective negotiations between two opposing groups help to understand the opinions of opponents better. Groups put forward their demands and bring opponents up to date. After clarifying all the circumstances, you can make some decision.
- Conflict Resolution Who is to blame and what to do is decided at the first two stages of a controversial situation. The third stage is a compromise or the complete victory of one of the opposing parties.
Conflict Adjustment
The science of conflict management solves all issues related to controversial situations that arise in various teams. To solve any problem, you need a desire to make contact. For this purpose, each group has its own leader. The responsible person expresses the interests of his fellow minds. If all members of the group participate in the resolution of the conflict, a market will be obtained. Therefore, the problem will be settled by two people or a small group of representatives of each team. Adjustment is through discussion. Opposing parties express their opinion on the resolution of the conflict. As a result, the controversial situation is resolved in one of two scenarios:
- a clear winner is revealed;
- there is a compromise.
Negative effects of conflict
There are not many of them, but they are very significant:
- Destruction of friendships. If the members of two opposing groups were friends, then the further development of such a relationship is a big question. Companions will try to break the bond of their supporters and will by all means prove that there is no need to maintain old ties.
- Any conflict impedes the normal course of things. If the company has a discord between employees, then the normal functioning of the enterprise will be in question. Instead of fulfilling their duties, people will be engaged in clarifying relationships.
- Loss of reputation. Few people are able to control their words and be responsible for every phrase uttered. Often people throw words to the wind without thinking about the consequences. Public statements made with zeal can come back to any of the members of the group. People can say something in a rush, and they will have to spend a lot of time and energy to restore their reputation.
Positive impact of conflict
Conflict between people should not be perceived as a tragedy. Human misunderstandings are the norm. It is not in vain that our ancestors came up with an expression that truth is born in a dispute. What are the positive aspects of the conflict?
- Any controversial situation helps a group of people, as well as each individual, to better understand themselves. A person reviews the value system and makes sure that he thinks correctly. It's never embarrassing to admit your mistakes. It is a shame to go the wrong way, which the person considers right.
- Any problem can rally the team. People have the opportunity to look at their allies and understand what kind of society surrounds them. Often in the process of the emergence of controversial situations, friendly ties are established, which, after the conflict has been resolved, continue to be maintained for many years.
- Each person begins to correctly set personal priorities. The essence of the matter of any controversial situation is quite clear. The group is fighting to defend its interests. And each individual can understand that the issue to be solved is vital for him. Prioritization helps a person grow and not stray from the right course of life.
Advice
Want to quickly resolve the conflict? Then follow these tips:
- Groups that conflict must be made to engage in community service activities. Labor brings people together. The joint engagement in useful activities makes the members of warring groups look at their opponents from a different angle. The emerging sympathy will help relieve tension and reduce it to nothing.
- If it is not possible to quickly resolve a contentious issue, the value system should be replaced. Let what seemed a priority go by the wayside. The main thing is to make people believe that the essence of the conflict is unimportant, and it is not necessary now to find a winner and a loser.
- Group members must interact not only with each other, but also with other people. A person who communicates with independent persons who do not take part in resolving a difficult situation can get good advice or reconsider their views on some things.