15 Common Causes of Workplace Conflict and How to Resolve Them ??

Conflict is undeniable when working with people. However, unresolved conflicts potentially lead to low morale, burn out, reduced productivity, and employee turnover. By understanding the root causes of conflict and implementing effective strategies, workplaces can foster harmony and collaboration.

Here are the 15 main causes of workplace conflict and actionable ways to resolve them:

1. Communication Conflict

Poor communication along the hierarchy and among the team members is a leading cause of workplace conflict. Misunderstandings, unclear instructions, or information overload often result in confusion and frustration at work place.

Ways to resolve it:

• Hold regular 1:1 meetings and team check-ins.
• Review and optimize communication workflows on a regular basis.
• Improve meeting management to ensure clarity and focus on projects / goals.

2. Values Conflict

Discrepancies of core beliefs and principles can create tension among team members. For instance, some employees may prioritize work-life balance while others focus on meeting deadlines at any cost.

Ways to resolve it:

• Focus on shared goals and find common grounds.
• Respect different perspectives.
• Employee should feel safe to put their opinion.
• Offer development opportunities to improve understanding and tolerance.

3. Resource Conflict

Competition for limited resources, such as time, budget, or staff, leads to disagreements more often. Teams working with inadequate support and resources often feel undervalued and overburdened.

Ways to resolve it:

• Be transparent on allocating resources.
• Prioritize tasks and manage expectations.
• Collaborate to find creative solutions.

4. Personality Conflicts

Different personalities and ego clashes contribute to nearly half of workplace conflicts as per the recent reseach. Differences in behavior, emotional intelligence, and judgment can cause friction among team members.

Ways to resolve it:

• Understand and value individual work styles.
• Practice empathy, compassion and active listening.
• Invest in team-building and emotional intelligence development.

5. Role Conflict

Unclear job roles and overlapping responsibilities can create confusion and disputes at work place.

Ways to resolve it:

• Clearly define job roles and responsibilities.
• Regularly review job descriptions during 1:1 meetings.
• Address overlaps promptly and collaboratively.

6. Workload Imbalance

Unequal distribution of work leads to resentment among team members. Some may feel overwhelmed, stressed while others perceive favoritism.

Ways to resolve it:

• Balance workloads fairly and transparently.
• Use tools to monitor task distribution.
• Encourage open dialogue about workload concerns.

7. Cultural Differences

Diverse teams may experience conflicts arising from cultural misunderstandings or cultral differences or differing communication styles.

Ways to resolve it:

• Provide cultural sensitivity training programs.
• Encourage respect for diverse perspectives.
• Celebrate team diversity through inclusive activities.

8. Lack of Recognition

When employees’ contributions go unnoticed, it can breed dissatisfaction, frustration and conflict.

Ways to resolve it:

• Regularly acknowledge individual and team achievements.
• Establish a culture of appreciation.
• Provide timely feedback and rewards.

9. Generational Differences

Generational gaps in work preferences and values can lead to misunderstandings and ambiguities at work place.

Ways to resolve it:

• Facilitate cross-generational mentoring.
• Highlight the strengths of each generation.
• Promote an open dialogue about preferences and work styles.

10. Power Struggles

Conflicts can arise when individuals or teams compete with each other for influence or authority.

Ways to resolve it:

• Define clear hierarchies and decision-making protocols.
• Encourage collaboration over competition.
• Mediate power-related disputes fairly.

11. Unrealistic Expectations

Challenging goals, demanding roles or tight deadlines can create stress and conflict within teams.

Ways to resolve it:

• Set realistic and achievable targets.
• Provide resources to meet expectations.
• Encourage feedback on workload feasibility.

12. Resistance to Change

Change often creates uncertainty, poses risk and discomfort, leading to conflicts between those who embrace it and those who resist it.

Ways to resolve it:

• Communicate the purpose and benefits of change clearly.
• Involve employees in the change process.
• Offer training and support during transitions.

13. Lack of Accountability

When team members don’t take ownership of their responsibilities, it can frustrate others and lead to conflicts at work place.

Ways to resolve it:

• Set clear expectations and deadlines.
• Hold individuals accountable for their work.
• Encourage a culture of responsibility and follow-through.

14. Poor Leadership

Ineffective management system or unclear leadership roles can exacerbate conflicts within teams.

Ways to resolve it:

• Provide leadership training and development.
• Ensure consistent communication from leaders.
• Gather and act on team feedback about leadership effectiveness.

15. Inequitable Treatment

Perceived favoritism among team members or unequal opportunities can lead to resentment and disputes.

Ways to resolve it:

• Ensure fair policies and practices.
• Promote transparency in decisions.
• Regularly review processes to address inequities.

Conclusion

Workplace conflict is undeniable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive in any cost. By recognizing these common causes of conflict and implementing proactive solutions, managers can foster a collaborative and harmonious work environment.

What conflicts have you faced at work place, and how were they resolved? Share your thoughts below!

Rajan Aryal

People Skills Specialist