Conflict & Negotiation | UGC NET Commerce Preparation Course PDF Download

Organizational Behavior

Organizational Behavior (OB) is an interdisciplinary field that examines how individual, group, and organizational dynamics influence behavior within the workplace. It focuses on understanding how people interact in organizational settings and how these interactions impact the effectiveness and performance of the organization.

Conflict and Negotiation

Conflict: Definition:

• Conflict often evokes images of disputes or disagreements, but it’s important to recognize that conflict isn’t inherently negative. Conflict occurs when two or more parties perceive that their goals, interests, or values are incompatible. Tension arises when individuals believe their needs or desires cannot coexist. For instance, if you and your sibling both want to watch different TV shows at the same time—one prefers a new episode of a favorite series while the other wants to see a basketball game—this difference in interests leads to a conflict.

Negotiation: Definition:

• Negotiation is a vital life skill that helps us manage and resolve conflicts and differences. It involves finding a middle ground that respects everyone's interests and maintains positive relationships. As you grow older, negotiation becomes essential in various scenarios, such as negotiating job offers, closing business deals, or resolving office disputes.

Conflict and Negotiation in Organizational Behavior

• Conflict in Organizational Behavior: Organizations, conflict refers to disagreements between individuals or groups due to differing opinions, ideas, or interests. While it might bring to mind heated arguments, organizational conflict can be more subtle, such as underlying tension in meetings or unspoken disputes over a project. For example, in a group project, if one member thinks a detailed presentation is essential while another believes a thorough report is more important, this difference in views creates conflict.
• Negotiation in Organizational Behavior: Organizational Behavior (OB) aims to understand and predict human behavior within organizations to improve outcomes. Negotiation plays a key role in OB as a process where parties with differing interests discuss to find a mutually beneficial solution. In organizations, negotiation can occur in various situations—from resolving conflicts and making decisions to negotiating resources and agreements.

Difference Between Conflict and Negotiation

Examples of Conflict and Negotiation

Negotiation Example:

• Scenario: Salary Negotiation: John, an experienced professional, is offered a new job. He negotiates his salary with Lisa, the hiring manager, to reach a satisfactory agreement.

Conflict Example:

• Scenario: Team Project Disagreement: In a team project facing a tight deadline, Sarah and James have different strategies for solving a problem. Sarah prefers a traditional approach, while James advocates for an innovative solution. Their differing methods create conflict.

Conclusion

Conflict and negotiation are interrelated; conflict often leads to the need for negotiation. When conflicts arise, negotiation helps manage and resolve them by allowing parties to express their views, understand each other’s needs, and collaboratively find a solution. Through effective negotiation, conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for change and growth.