Conflict is a natural and necessary part of life. It can arise in any relationship, whether it be with a spouse, co-worker, friend, or family member. The way that conflict is handled can make or break the relationship. Conflict can be functional or dysfunctional.
Functional conflict is when people have opposing goals that can be resolved without conflict. Dysfunctional conflict, by contrast, is a type of conflict in which people can’t work together to achieve their common goals, often due to a lack of resolution of differences.
Let’s discuss this in detail.
What is Functional Conflict?
Functional conflict is a type of conflict that is characterized by the parties’ efforts to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. It is typically characterized by parties working together to resolve the conflict in a constructive way. It is different from dysfunctional conflict, which is characterized by the parties’ attempts to resolve the conflict in a way that harms or destroys the relationship.
Functional conflict is typically characterized by parties working together to resolve the conflict in a constructive way. It is different from dysfunctional conflict, which is characterized by the parties’ attempts to resolve the conflict in a way that harms or destroys the relationship.
What is Dysfunctional Conflict?
Dysfunctional conflict is a type of conflict that occurs when two or more parties come to an agreement that is not beneficial to all involved. This type of conflict can cause emotional harm, distress, damage to relationships, and create a power struggle.
Dysfunctional conflict is a disagreement or conflict in which each side of the argument is using or trying to use the other side to achieve their own personal goal. Dysfunctional conflicts are often destructive and can lead to tension, anger, and resentment.
How to Resolve Conflict?
The way to resolve conflict is to first identify the problem. Once you know the problem, you can work together to find a solution.
Functional conflict is productive and helps to resolve the issue at hand. Dysfunctional conflict, on the other hand, is destructive and often leads to further conflict. It is important to recognize when conflict is happening and to try to use functional conflict as much as possible in order to resolve the issue.
If the problem cannot be solved, then you can decide whether to resolve the conflict or move on.
Final Words
Functional conflict occurs when there is a disagreement about what needs to be done, but everyone involved can work together to resolve the issue. Dysfunctional conflict, on the other hand, occurs when there is a disagreement about what needs to be done, but one or both parties cannot work together to resolve the issue.
Handling conflict in a constructive way can save a relationship. However, if the conflict is handled in a destructive way, it can lead to the breakup of the relationship.
Attend the Compliance Prime webinar to learn about functional and dysfunctional conflict.
