Interdependence

1
Attributes of Intergroup Relationships

• Interdependence
• Uncertainty
• Limited Resources
• Divergence
• Goals or Values
• Time Orientation
• Resources or Rewards
• Status or Jurisdiction

Intergroup Conflict
2
MARKETING Operative goal is customer satisfaction
MANUFCTURING Operative goal is production
efficiency
versus
Goal Conflict
Conflict Area
Typical Comment
Typical Comment
1. Breadth of product line 2. New product
introduction 3. Production
scheduling 4. Physical distribution 5.
Quality
Our customers demand variety. New products
are our lifeblood. We need faster response.
Our lead times are too long. Why dont we
ever have the right merchandise in
inventory? Why cant we have reasonable
quality at low cost?
The product line is too broad-all we get are
short, uneconomical runs. Unnecessary design
changes are prohibitively expensive. We need
realistic customer commitments that dont change
like wind direction. We cant afford to keep
huge inventories. Why must we always
offer options that are too expensive and offer
little customer utility?
3
Effects of Intergroup Conflict

• NEGATIVE
• Structural rigidity
• Negative stereotypes
• Less intergroup communication
• Less intergroup cooperation
• Political behaviors
• Dissatisfaction stress

• POSITIVE
• Increased group cohesiveness identity
• Opportunity for reassessment and change
• Increased motivation
• Reduced social tension

4
Two-Dimensional Model of Conflict Behavior
5
Conflict Management Strategies
Reduce Conflict Behavior
1. Formal Authority 2. Limited Communication 3.
Integration Devices 4. Expand Resources 5.
Change Reward System 6. Confrontation
Negotiation 7. Third-Party Consultants 8.
Member Rotation 9. Superordinate Goals 10.
Intergroup Training
Increase Cooperative Attitudes
6
Diagnosing Conflict among Groups
7
Managing Conflict among Groups
8
A Comparison of Five Conflict-Management
Approaches
9
A Comparison of Five Conflict-Management
Approaches