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There are broadly two kinds of workplace conflict: when people’s ideas, decisions or actions relating directly to the job are in opposition, or when two people just don’t get along. The latter is often called ‘a personality clash’.A conflict of ideas on any aspect of business can often be productive, if the parties involved are willing to ‘brainstorm’ solutions together. Sometimes, the compromise can be better for business than either of the original ideas. Conflict of this kind often generates better work practices and initiates positive changes that would otherwise never have occurred.Personality clashes, on the other hand, are very rarely productive. A clash may start with a dispute on business practices and escalate from there to mutual loathing, or else the two people may simply have disliked each other from the beginning.This type of workplace conflict is bad for business, because it can lead to downturns in productivity and increases in absenteeism. On an individual level, workplace conflict is stressful and unpleasant. This anxiety may spill over into other areas of life and disrupt, for example, personal relationships. Types of workplace conflictIt is important to work out whether the conflict is caused by a personality clash or is due to a dispute over business ideas, decisions or actions. This may be difficult if the conflict has been raging for some time.Some questions to think about include:
Conflict over business ideas, decisions or actionsIf the conflict is caused by opposing ideas, you could:
Personality clashes at workIf the conflict is caused by a personality clash, the conflict will most likely continue unless attitudes and behaviours are changed. Suggestions include:
Conflict with your bossA good boss is someone who can effectively run a company and communicate with, and understand, their employees. If a boss involves their employees in business decisions, shows appreciation for hard work, and responds with bonuses and gifts at Christmas time, most people would enjoy working for them. However, a difficult relationship with the boss is a common cause of work-related stress.Examples of difficult behaviour shown by some bosses include lack of communication, verbal bullying, inflexible thinking and rudeness. There are various strategies you can use to try and build a better relationship with your boss.Unhelpful ways of dealing with a difficult bossSome common, but unhelpful, ways in which people may deal with a difficult boss include:
Different opinions in the workplaceIf you and your boss are divided by different thoughts on business practices, there are various ways to open the lines of communication, including:
Personality clash with your bossIf you just don’t get along with your boss, it’s important to find out why. Issues to consider include:
Building a better relationship with your bossBuilding a better relationship with your boss means first taking into account their personality, and tailoring your strategies accordingly. For example, don’t ask them why they treat you badly if direct confrontation angers them.Suggestions include:
Being assertive with your bossAssertiveness means communicating your needs, wants, feelings, beliefs and opinions to others in a direct and honest manner, without intentionally hurting anyone’s feelings. Suggestions on how to be more assertive include:
Workplace violenceWorkplace violence is conflict escalated to the point of threats, insults, racial abuse, sexual harassment or physical contact, such as pushing or punching. Under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985, employers are strictly responsible for workplace violence and have a duty of care that can’t be delegated. The affected worker should approach their employer, occupational health and safety representative, personnel manager or human resources officer. The person’s union or the Victorian WorkCover Authority can also offer help and advice.The Victorian WorkCover Authority investigates breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and is involved in issues such as workers compensation. Document your experience of workplace violence as thoroughly as you can, such as taking photographs of injuries and keeping a diary of all incidents. Criminal acts in the workplaceSome acts of workplace violence, such as physical assault, are criminal acts and you should call the police.Where to get help
Things to remember
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