Question

Assume that late-night show production team members in the Management in Action case had differences of opinion on how to best virtually produce a show. However, they all had the show's best interest in mind and simply disagreed on how to most effectively move forward in a changing environment. What type of conflict would this represent?

Answer 1

In a team environment, when members have different opinions on how to achieve a common goal but share the same objective, it is a substantive or task-related conflict. These conflicts can be beneficial for management if used as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving. Effective handling of such conflicts can strengthen the team and improve overall performance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of conflict you're describing would likely be categorized as a substantive conflict or task-related conflict. This type of conflict arises when team members have differing opinions on how to achieve a common objective, in this case, the production of a late-night show virtually. Although everyone has the show's best interest at heart, their disagreements are centered around the best strategies or processes to use in the rapidly changing environment prompted by the need to shift to virtual production.

In management, it's acknowledged that conflicts such as these may actually be beneficial. They can spark creative problem-solving and lead to innovative solutions if handled constructively. The challenge lies in managing these conflicts effectively, ensuring that communication channels are open, and that every team member feels heard and understood. Effective conflict resolution can ultimately strengthen the team and enhance its performance.