Project Conflict and Problem Solving
Project Conflict and Problem Solving
Part A Project conflict is inevitable.
1. Outline the seven (7) sources of conflict that can arise during a project.
2. Discuss the five (5) approaches that people typically use to deal with conflict.
3. Is conflict always bad? Explain.
Part B Problem Solving
1. Write a short summary about the “Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.”
2. If you were the project manager for a virtual team, explain whether your approach would change if a problem arose between the virtual team members. If it would change, explain why and how it would change. If not, explain why not.
ANSWER
Conflict Management
Conflict within projects can occur in different ways, the first one being at the highest level where disagreements can result in the pursuit of techniques through lawful channels that can cost institutions large finances. An effective project administrator acknowledges the appropriate time to intervene and take action when conflicts happen. At the lower phase, disagreement within a group may need to be handled by the executive through softer mechanisms. They must know that the pressure linked with accomplishing quality goals will inevitably result in conflict. Therefore, the paper will look into some factors leading to conflict within a project, and practical strategies to curb this problem.
Part A: Project Conflict
The first cause of conflict within a project arises from the different stakeholder’s interests, which are diverse within the project team. Differences in interest from these people can lead to conflict during a project. Each member might be of a different opinion, which will, in turn, cause arguments and a lack of a common understanding. The second cause is linked with modification in the scope where some changes might be required once the project is at its advanced stage. A conflict can be witnessed between the design team and the management. Project management style is the third cause of war as the head of the process can fail to relate well with the team members. The manager can also give orders on how the project should be done, which can be contrary to how the team wants it done. The fourth cause of project conflict is linked with a refuted change request, where having a claim declined is likely to affect even the most experienced and composed professionals. Disagreements concerning communication methods can be the fifth cause of project conflicts. These strategies can vary in different plans upon the size of the project team. Besides, lack of trust and respect between the group members will also cause conflict since members cannot collaborate under such circumstances. Lastly, biases can also contribute to project disputes.
Dealing with Conflicts
Conflicts can always be diffused or solved when they happen, which is best for the intended mission’s general outcome. Conflict resolution involves using an accommodating approach where one will forsake his desires in exchange for those of others and put the concerns of other people before anything else. Avoiding process is the second and effective conflict resolution mechanism where the executives prevent conflict with project management (Green, 2019). The technique dismisses the administrative concerns and those of the team members, leaving the battle unresolved. Comprising process attempts to create a solution that will least partially please the involved parties. The manager can settle on a middle ground between all the needs that could leave the members satisfied or unsatisfied to a given degree. Collaboration is the fourth conflict resolution mechanism that tries to find a solution that will accomplish all parties’ needs. Instead of finding a middle ground solution, the team manager can go for a solution that eventually satisfies every member. On the other hand, the competing approach takes a strong stance and refuses to consider the other parties’ perspectives.
Conflict as either Good or Bad
Conflict can be considered harmful if it stops all organization functions and results in less optimal performance or even workplace violence. However, a moderate level of competition can be healthy for organizational life. Task conflict can be critical to specific groups, including the early phases of decision-making, increasing creativity. When a conflict exists, it typically shows the commitment to business objectives, because the members are trying to create the best solution. This, in turn, promotes issues, strengthens a person concerning the problem, and increases effort.
Part B: Problem Solving
Nine Step Approach
The first approach towards solving a current issue within a workplace engages knowing the problem, such as recognizing and evaluating the problem thoroughly. The second phase should involve looking into the existing other opinions, opportunities, and facts. People typically forget to associate a situation with the realities of life. The third stage is seeing every problem from a different perspective, as every issue can be seen differently. Finding the primary cause of the matter is the fourth step in curbing a topic that will, in turn, lead to designing a solution. One should also have alternative solutions that will bring out a working solution to the available issue. Keeping the best technique at the top of the list is the sixth phase in the problem-solving process that eventually leads to the needed results. Taking the correct decision will now be significant is tackling the problem, and this procedure requires maximum time. When one is ready with the solution, the right person should be assigned to fix the present issue. Setting up a given scale for evaluating the feedback is the last process in finding a permanent solution to any problem. Solving a problem through virtual does not need any modification with the given steps as one can follow the nine steps in finding a solution.
References
Green, C. (2019). Five Approaches to Dealing with Conflict. Retrieved from smallbusiness.chron.com/five-approaches-dealing-conflict-894.html
Part A Project conflict is inevitable.
1. Outline the seven (7) sources of conflict that can arise during a project.
2. Discuss the five (5) approaches that people typically use to deal with conflict.
3. Is conflict always bad? Explain.
Part B Problem Solving
1. Write a short summary about the “Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.”
2. If you were the project manager for a virtual team, explain whether your approach would change if a problem arose between the virtual team members. If it would change, explain why and how it would change. If not, explain why not.
