Organization theory and design: Lecture 39

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Conflict, Power & Politics

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What’s Conflict
Inter group conflict requires three ingredients:
1. Group identification
2. Observable group differences
3. Frustration
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If one group achieves its goals, the other
group will not.
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What’s Conflict
•

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Inter group conflict can then be defined
as “the behavior that occurs among
groups when participants identify with
one group and perceive that other
groups may block their group’s goal
achievement or expectations”
Inter group conflicts in organizations can

be horizontal or vertical
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Why Conflict Exists?
The sources of inter group conflict are:
1. Goal incompatibility
2. Differentiation
3. Task interdependence
4. Limited resources
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The degree of severity of these sources
determines whether a rational or political
model of behavior is used within organization
to accomplish goals.
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Rational vs. Political Model
• When conflict is low Rational model of
organization (just like rational decision making
behavior) can be used.
• It’s characterized by pooled interdependence,
centralization, extensive information systems
and an efficiency orientation.
• The opposite view of organizational processes is
the Political model (use of power)

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