Jennifer has come to realize that conflict has both functional, as well as dysfunctional, outcomes. She has observed examples of both in her organization.
-Jennifer's boss decides to implement a new policy whereby employees provide regular, formalized feedback to their supervisors. Employees are encouraged to evaluate and criticize their superiors. Based on your understanding of functional conflict, is this policy likely to benefit Jennifer's company?
A) No, because the evaluations will promote relationship conflict, which is always dysfunctional.
B) Yes, because the evaluations will encourage groupthink, which increases turnover.
C) No, because the evaluations will create a climate of insecurity for the company's management.
D) No, because the evaluations will generate dysfunctional conflict, which breeds discontent.
E) Yes, because the evaluations will encourage functional conflict, which improves organizational performance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The policy of encouraging regular, formalized feedback and evaluation, including criticism of superiors, is likely to promote functional conflict. This is because it creates a space for open communication and the constructive expression of differing opinions and perspectives, which can lead to improvements in organizational performance. It is important to note that functional conflict can be productive and beneficial, while dysfunctional conflict is harmful and counterproductive.

Jennifer Has Come to Realize That Conflict Has Both Functional