According to the Human Solutions website, without differences, there would be no conflict. Tensions will form and rise as people have interests and ideas that clash. This is an inevitable issue with any relationship---whether in business, school or personal lives. The key to dealing with conflict is not how to eliminate it, but how to manage it. Before you can do this, you should determine what the core cause is to get to the root of the issue. A mediator may be needed to keep communication lines open, prevent finger-pointing and ultimately bring some level of satisfaction or acceptance to all parties.
Territorial Competition
When people compete for the same thing---jobs, material possessions or status---they are likely to encounter conflict, claims the Learn Peace website. Any time there is an uneven distribution of goods, natural resources or non-material items, competition is likely to erupt, creating conflict.
Dissatisfaction with Authority
When people are dissatisfied with authority, conflict is likely to ensue. This may include children who are unhappy with parental decisions, employees who feel that the boss is unfair or citizens in a city, state or country where they aren't happy with the leaders.
Clashing Beliefs and Values
Major differences in basic beliefs can cause conflict. When one political, religious or ethnic group attempts to force its views on another with opposing core beliefs, you're apt to see an eruption of conflict. According to the Learn Peace website, some of these groups may promote their beliefs in order to gain authority and power.
Similar to clashing beliefs, clashing values create opposing sides, each claiming to know the difference between what is good and bad or right and wrong. People can live without conflict while having different values, according to the Oregon Mediation Center, Inc. website. The conflict comes about when one group tries to inflict their values upon the other side. Although most values and beliefs can't be changed in a short time, acknowledging and supporting the expression of opposing beliefs is essential in dealing with and eliminating the conflict.
Relationship Breakdown
When a relationship experiences a breakdown from lack of communication, repeated bad behavior or festering negative emotions, you may experience conflict. The root cause of the conflict needs to be identified, and this may need help from a third party without a vested interest in the outcome.
Conflicting Needs and Styles
Each person and entity has special needs in any type of relationship, so when needs styles clash, there may be conflict. In the workplace, an employee may need public recognition for motivation, while another expects a salary increase. The company may not have the budget to give raises, or the supervisor might not recognize the need to call attention to the employee who has done something above and beyond his job description. In a friendship or romantic relationship, one person may need personal space, while the other needs constant attention.
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