Final answer:
The statement is true; effective conflict management can turn potential negative outcomes into opportunities for growth and innovation, while poor management of conflict can lead to negative consequences such as reduced morale and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true; it is indeed the way that conflict is managed, not the mere existence of conflict, that makes the difference. Conflict is a natural part of human interaction and can occur for a multitude of reasons such as differences in values, hiring decisions, and changes in management. However, conflict is not inherently detrimental. The resolution of conflict and the management strategies employed can contribute to growth, learning, and innovation within a team. On the contrary, when conflicts are poorly managed or left unresolved, they can result in stress, reduced morale, staff turnover, and lost productivity.
Moreover, theories in the conflict perspective, as opposed to the functionalist approach, specifically address how urban areas and societies change based on decisions made by leaders, often at the expense of the lower classes. This insight helps in understanding that the dynamics of conflict resolution are also influenced by power structures and the distribution of resources. The sociologist Georg Simmel emphasized that conflict can also play a positive role in society by helping to integrate and stabilize it, based on how the conflict is managed and resolved.
Thus, effective conflict management, including the use of nonviolent methods and dispute resolution processes, is crucial. The way conflicts are approached and navigated has the power to enhance or deteriorate the social and work environment.