Final answer:
The major causes of workplace conflict include hiring decisions, policy changes, management style shifts, work overload, and unclear roles. Effective conflict resolution can foster learning and innovation, but unresolved conflicts can lead to decreased morale and productivity. Resolving conflicts often requires active listening, problem-solving, and, when necessary, involving HR or supervisors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major causes of conflict in the workplace typically stem from a variety of sources. Commonly, issues such as hiring decisions, new policies, change in management style, or company priorities create clashes between coworkers. Conflicts can also arise from work overload, difficult work relationships, and unclear managerial roles.
It's important to contextual such conflicts; they offer opportunities for learning and growth when managed well. However, persistent unresolved conflict can lead to serious issues like stress, reduced team morale, staff turnover, and decreased productivity. Work environments that provide dispute resolution processes, effective communication, and fairness in procedures (procedural justice) tend to have better success in managing conflicts.
When facing interpersonal disagreements at work, it is beneficial to choose words carefully, remain calm and respectful, listen actively, and focus on problem-solving, not blaming. For conflicts that seem unresolvable at the individual level, involving a supervisor or HR department may be necessary. Strategies to prevent and handle conflict include ensuring clarity in roles, promoting procedural justice, and supporting professional development to reduce feelings of unfair treatment or lack of control.