Manifest Conflict

Definition

Manifest conflict refers to the open, visible, and observable disagreements or disputes that arise between individuals or groups within an organization. It is the overt expression of tensions and incompatibilities that are readily apparent to all parties involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest conflict can arise from a variety of causes, including scarce resources, interdependence, differences in goals, and poor communication.
2. Manifest conflict can have both positive and negative consequences for an organization, as it can lead to increased innovation and problem-solving, but also decreased morale and productivity.
3. Effective conflict management strategies, such as negotiation, mediation, and compromise, are essential for resolving manifest conflicts and maintaining a healthy organizational culture.
4. The way in which an organization responds to and manages manifest conflicts can significantly impact its overall performance and effectiveness.
5. Organizational leaders play a crucial role in addressing and resolving manifest conflicts, as they set the tone for how conflicts are handled within the organization.

Review Questions

• Describe the key characteristics of manifest conflict in the context of organizations.
  • Manifest conflict in organizations is characterized by the open and observable disagreements or disputes that arise between individuals or groups. It is the overt expression of tensions and incompatibilities that are readily apparent to all parties involved. Manifest conflict is often driven by factors such as scarce resources, interdependence, differences in goals, and poor communication, and can have both positive and negative consequences for the organization.
• Explain how organizational culture can influence the occurrence and resolution of manifest conflicts.
  • Organizational culture, which encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and assumptions that guide behavior and interactions within an organization, can significantly impact the occurrence and resolution of manifest conflicts. A culture that encourages open communication, collaboration, and constructive conflict resolution is more likely to effectively manage manifest conflicts, whereas a culture that promotes silos, competition, and avoidance of conflict may exacerbate such issues. The way in which an organization's leaders respond to and address manifest conflicts can also shape the overall organizational culture and the organization's ability to effectively manage conflicts.
• Analyze the potential consequences, both positive and negative, of manifest conflicts within an organization and discuss strategies for effectively managing them.
  • Manifest conflicts within organizations can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, manifest conflicts can lead to increased innovation, problem-solving, and a better understanding of different perspectives. However, if not properly managed, manifest conflicts can also result in decreased morale, productivity, and overall organizational effectiveness. Effective conflict management strategies, such as negotiation, mediation, and compromise, are essential for resolving manifest conflicts and maintaining a healthy organizational culture. Organizational leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for how conflicts are handled and in implementing these strategies to address and resolve manifest conflicts in a constructive manner.

Related terms

Latent Conflict: Latent conflict is the underlying, unresolved tension or disagreement that exists within an organization but is not openly expressed or acknowledged by the parties involved.

Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution is the process of addressing and managing the disagreements or disputes that arise within an organization in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Organizational Culture: Organizational culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and assumptions that guide the behavior and interactions of individuals within an organization.