Conflict Management Styles

One of the major implications conflict management styles have on group dynamics is group morale. Therefore, leadership unable to apply a conflict management approach that bodes well with members of the group can exacerbate the existing conflict. This can drive a wedge between members of the group, as well as the way members view leadership. Group members may eventually have a loss of confidence in leadership’s abilities to support them and help overcome challenges necessary for the success of the group.

Moreover, decreased group morale can easily transcend into other forms of conflict and additional facets of the organization. For instance, relationship conflict can start to spew over into task conflict. Group members will likely start to pull away, impacting performance and future involvement. Ayoko and Konrad (2012) found that group performance and levels of morale were negatively impacted by task and relationship conflict yet, were resolved via effective leadership. Due to the negative repercussions of unmanaged or poorly managed group conflict, it is imperative that leaders are aware of different conflict management approaches and when best to apply them.