Question 1

The modern perspective on conflict is that an optimal level exists which is beneficial to the organisation.

Accepted Answer

The modern perspective on conflict is that a certain level of conflict is necessary and beneficial for the organization's growth and development. This is because conflict can lead to new ideas, better decision making, and increased creativity. However, excessive or destructive conflict can harm the organization, so finding the optimal level of conflict is important.

Question 2

The five interpersonal conflict management styles are distinguished by their interdependence with the other party.

Accepted Answer

The five interpersonal conflict management styles are distinguished by their levels of assertiveness and cooperativeness, not interdependence.

Question 3

When conflict reduces each side's motivation to communicate,they rely more on stereotypes to reinforce their perceptions of the other side.

Accepted Answer

When there is conflict, communication breakdowns are common and people often become defensive, emotional, or hostile. This can cause each side to rely more on preconceived notions and stereotypes rather than engaging in open, honest communication to resolve the conflict. Stereotypes reinforce negative perceptions of the other side, further entrenching each party in their positions and making it more difficult to find common ground.

Question 4

Conflict is sometimes manifested by the style each side uses to resolve the conflict.

Accepted Answer

Conflict management styles can vary and sometimes differences in those styles can contribute to the conflict itself. For example, one person may prefer a collaborative approach while the other uses a more competitive approach. This difference can lead to misunderstandings and further conflict.

Question 5

Conflicts could result in stronger team cohesion when conflict occurs between the team and an outside source.

Accepted Answer

When a team is faced with a common challenge or enemy, it can bring team members together and promote a shared sense of identity and purpose. This is known as the "common enemy effect" and can result in stronger team cohesion.

Question 6

Strong cohesion in teams leads to strong relational conflicts.

Accepted Answer

Relationship conflict is suppressed when the conflict occurs within a highly cohesive team. Strong cohesion allows team members to show emotions without being personally offended.

Question 7

Conflict is based on the technical skills of the parties involved and is independent of their perceptions.

Accepted Answer

Conflict is not only based on technical skills but also the perceptions, beliefs, and emotions of the parties involved. Perceptions and emotions can influence how technical skills are interpreted and how communication occurs, which can either escalate or decrease the conflict.

Question 8

Conflicts tend to be higher when rules and procedures exist.

Accepted Answer

Ambiguous rules or the complete lack of rules breed conflict. This occurs because uncertainty increases the risk that one party intends to interfere with the other party's goals. When clear rules exist, employees instead know what to expect and have agreed to abide by those rules, and this reduces conflicts.

Question 9

Conflict begins when two parties experience manifest conflict.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Conflict begins when two parties experience manifest...

Question 10

Employees with high emotional intelligence are able to avoid the escalation of constructive conflict into relationship conflict.

Accepted Answer

Employees with high emotional intelligence are able to control their emotions and communicate effectively, leading to resolving conflicts constructively before they escalate into relationship conflicts.

Question 11

When conflict reduces each side's motivation to communicate,they rely more on stereotypes to reinforce their perceptions of the other side.

Accepted Answer

When there is conflict, people tend to become defensive and less willing to communicate. This can lead to relying on stereotypes instead of actively trying to understand the perspectives of the other side. Stereotypes can reinforce negative perceptions and make the conflict worse.

Question 12

Relationship conflict is apparent when the conflict is explained in terms of differences of opinion regarding tasks or decisions.

Accepted Answer

Relationship conflict occurs when the conflict is based on differences in opinions, values, or personalities, and can often lead to negative emotions and tension. Task or decision conflicts are usually easier to resolve through compromise or negotiation.

Question 13

The lowest risk of conflict tends to occur in reciprocal interdependence situations.

Accepted Answer

The highest risk of conflict occurs in reciprocal interdependence situations.With reciprocal interdependence, employees are highly dependent on each other and, consequently, have a higher probability of interfering with each other's work and personal goals.

Question 14

Two employees from different departments who are evaluated on different performance criteria and compensated based on different reward systems are likely to experience conflict due to goal incompatibility.

Accepted Answer

Goal incompatibility occurs when the goals of one person or department seem to interfere with another person's or department's goals.

Question 15

Conflicts could reduce the significance of organisational politics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Conflicts could reduce the significance of organisational...

Question 16

Constructive conflict tests the logic of arguments and encourages participants to re-examine their basic assumptions.

Accepted Answer

Constructive conflict involves respectful disagreement and questioning of assumptions, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the issue and a reassessment of one's own beliefs.

Question 17

Organisations should eliminate conflicts in order to be more productive.

Accepted Answer

While conflicts can be disruptive and should be addressed, research has shown that constructive conflicts can lead to improved problem-solving, creativity, and innovation within organizations. Therefore, completely eliminating conflicts may not necessarily lead to increased productivity. Instead, organizations should aim to manage conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner.

Question 18

Conflict begins whenever both parties realise that they have opposing interests.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Conflict begins whenever both parties realise that...

Question 19

Relationship conflict focuses on the other party as the source of conflict.

Accepted Answer

Relationship conflict typically involves blaming the other party as the source of the conflict, rather than examining one's own contributions to the situation.

Question 20

Conflict occurs when one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party.

Accepted Answer

Conflict arises when one party senses that the other party is acting against its interests or having a negative impact on it.

Quiz 11: Conflict and Negotiation in the Workplace

The modern perspective on conflict is that an optimal level exists which is beneficial to the organisation.

The five interpersonal conflict management styles are distinguished by their interdependence with the other party.

When conflict reduces each side's motivation to communicate,they rely more on stereotypes to reinforce their perceptions of the other side.

Conflict is sometimes manifested by the style each side uses to resolve the conflict.

Conflicts could result in stronger team cohesion when conflict occurs between the team and an outside source.

Strong cohesion in teams leads to strong relational conflicts.

Conflict is based on the technical skills of the parties involved and is independent of their perceptions.

Conflicts tend to be higher when rules and procedures exist.

Conflict begins when two parties experience manifest conflict.

Employees with high emotional intelligence are able to avoid the escalation of constructive conflict into relationship conflict.

When conflict reduces each side's motivation to communicate,they rely more on stereotypes to reinforce their perceptions of the other side.

Relationship conflict is apparent when the conflict is explained in terms of differences of opinion regarding tasks or decisions.

The lowest risk of conflict tends to occur in reciprocal interdependence situations.

Two employees from different departments who are evaluated on different performance criteria and compensated based on different reward systems are likely to experience conflict due to goal incompatibility.

Conflicts could reduce the significance of organisational politics.

Constructive conflict tests the logic of arguments and encourages participants to re-examine their basic assumptions.

Organisations should eliminate conflicts in order to be more productive.

Conflict begins whenever both parties realise that they have opposing interests.

Relationship conflict focuses on the other party as the source of conflict.

Conflict occurs when one party perceives that its interests are being opposed or negatively affected by another party.