BU398 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Resource Allocation, Centrality, Structural Change
Document Summary
Behaviour that occurs between organizational groups when participants identify with one group and perceive that other groups may block their group"s goal achievements or expectations. Competition is rivalry among groups in pursuit of a common prize, whereas conflict presumes direct interference with goal achievement. Intergroup conflict can occur horizontally across departments or vertically between different levels. Conflict can also occur between different divisions or business units within an organization, such as between the auditing and consulting units of big firms like deloitte. Too much conflict can be harmful, but conflict can actually be positive when: it challenges the status quo, encourages new ideas and approaches, leads to change. Factors that generate conflict that are determined by contextual factors of environment, size, technology, strategy, and goals, and organizational structure. The greatest cause of conflict, because the goals of each department reflect the specific objectives members are trying to achieve, and the achievement in one department often interferes with another department"s goals.
