Understand the key differences between conflict management and conflict resolution and how SACAP’s Human Resource Management study stream can equip you with the skills needed to handle workplace disputes effectively.
The Difference Between Conflict Management and Resolution in the Workplace
Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. However, understanding the distinction between conflict management and conflict resolution is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive environment.
What is Conflict Management?
Conflict management is an ongoing process that involves identifying and handling conflicts in a sensible, fair, and efficient manner. It focuses on mitigating the negative effects of conflict by managing the situation rather than eliminating it entirely. This approach is particularly useful in dynamic environments where continuous interaction can lead to frequent disputes.
Key Strategies for Conflict Management
- Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue to understand different perspectives.
- Active Listening: Ensuring all parties feel heard and understood.
- Mediation: Involving a neutral third party to facilitate discussions.
What is Conflict Resolution?
Conflict resolution, on the other hand, aims to find a permanent solution to a conflict. It involves identifying the root cause of the disagreement and addressing it to prevent future occurrences. This approach is beneficial for resolving deep-seated issues that disrupt workplace harmony.
Key Approaches to Conflict Resolution
- Problem-Solving: Identifying the underlying issues and working collaboratively to find a solution.
- Negotiation: Finding a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and compromise.
- Reconciliation: Repairing relationships and fostering a collaborative work environment.
What are the Key Differences Between Conflict Management and Resolution?
1. Approach and Goal
The primary difference lies in the approach and goal. Conflict management aims to control and mitigate conflict, ensuring it does not escalate, while conflict resolution seeks to eliminate the conflict entirely by addressing its root cause.
2. Duration and Scope
Conflict management is often a long-term process requiring ongoing effort and strategies to handle disputes as they arise. In contrast, conflict resolution is a more targeted, short-term approach aimed at permanently resolving specific issues.
3. Techniques and Methods
Management techniques focus on communication, mediation, and negotiation to keep conflicts from becoming unmanageable. Resolution methods, however, delve deeper into problem-solving and reconciliation to ensure lasting peace.
Understanding People for Conflict Resolution
SACAP’s human resource management qualifications are embedded in an Applied Social science framework, enabling graduates to gain the skills to become effective human resource practitioners.
- Learn how to promote human productivity while achieving organisational goals.
- Gain skills to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees.
- Understand people to positively impact employees in the workplace.
Study a higher certificate, degree or postgraduate qualification at SACAP. Apply now or complete an enquiry form for an Admissions Officer to discuss your study journey further.
