Intra-organizational conflict

My recently authored article on organizational conflict

Intra-organizational conflict is not only common but, when managed properly, it is desireable. Conflicts can be either productive or unproductive – often determined by how the organization and its leadership decide to manage conflict and realize the inherent benefits of it. The aim of the organization “is to stage the right conflict episodes, with the right conflicting parties, over the right issues, operating under the right ground-rules.” (Louis Pondy, 1992, “Reflections on Organizational Behavior.”)

We assist corporate, not for profit, government organizations and multisector groups in intra-organizational conflict including:

  • Independent assessments or investigations of organizations or multistakeholder groups iStock_000016325313XSmall
  • Mediating internal conflict
  • Assessing the health/function of networks or associations
  • Training and capacity development for better addressing organizational conflict

Relevant writing:

  • The Upside of Conflict, Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2019, (co authored with Alan Fowler and Elizabeth Field)
  • (co authored with Alan Fowler and Elizabeth Field) Conflict Within International Nonprofit Development Organisations:  Expressions, Origins, Capabilities and Remedies,  published in the 12th International Conference Working Paper Series of the International Society for Third Sector Research, 2017

For corporations, universities, not for profits and civil society organizations we can:

  • Assist in creating/updating conflict management strategies/systems
  • Assess current conflicts
  • Assist in the creation of an organizational environment in which the benefits of conflict are realized (such as creative new avenues) while minimizing unproductive conflict.

Example engagements – intraorganizational conflict or tasks

Organizations are living systems in which conflict can arise due to scarce resources, structure, roles, communications and personality. We assist organizations to improve decision making to achieve better working relationships and progress toward its vision. We have expertise in both building better relationships and clarifying/making necessary decisions.

Relevant quote: [Organizations] usually have a mix of two communities, defenders of the faith and seekers of the truth. You certainly don’t look for innovation from the defenders. – Francois Grossieaux and Ed Moran

References and concept sources