Final answer:
Affective conflict is emotional and aimed at a person, often related to interpersonal differences, and it is critical that resolution processes make all parties feel supported.
Step-by-step explanation:
Affective conflict is characterized by the emotional friction or discord that arises from interpersonal differences within a team or organization. It is typically emotional and aimed at a person rather than an issue, encompassing clashes in personalities, values, or feelings. This type of conflict is emotional because it relates to personal feelings and attitudes, different from cognitive conflict, which is based on logical or factual disagreements.
As a concept found often in organizational behavior, affective conflict can lead to a negative atmosphere, causing stress and reduced team morale. However, when managed properly, conflicts, in general, can serve as opportunities for growth and innovation. Most importantly, the resolution process for affective conflicts should ensure all parties involved feel heard and supported.