Individuals or work teams encounter conflict everyday because they differ in their opinions, morals, and values. Conflict is rarely resolved until it is dealt with. To resolve conflicts in work teams, the people involved need an understanding of the different levels and aspects of conflict so the individuals can learn how to cope with conflict in order to reach a positive resolution.
Numerous factors contribute to conflicts within a work team. One factor is poor communication skills. In "I"m Sensing Some Hostility," regarding conflicts in the workplace, Works Management, (2000, December) stated, "Perhaps the most common cause is each individual has a different understanding of the team and its purpose and goals." Often team members lack the ability to express their thoughts and feelings effectively, and they lack the necessary skills to comprehend information that is given within a work team. .
Lack of good communication between team members can be detrimental. Within the realm of poor communication skills are poor listening skills. Often individuals are determined to explain their point of view or express their own personal knowledge. This interferes with the team member's ability to listen effectively and comprehend what is being said. Often an individual lacks interest in a subject and does not listen effectively if they feel the information does not directly affect them. .
There are occasions when conflicts may arise due to an individual not sharing information. This may cause dissention within the workgroup. Individuals within the group may feel inferior and hold resentment towards the person or persons who did not share the information. This may cause individuals within the group to feel a disadvantage because they were not presented with the information.
Differences in individuals" interpretations and perceptions can cause conflicts within work teams. A person's perception represents what is reality for that individual.