Group Relations &

Conflict
Group Interdependence
 Group interdependence implies that there is
something of interest between various department
and systems. One department is dependent upon
the other department for resources, work and
information.

 There are three major types of Group

Interdependence
 1. Pooled Interdependence
 2. Sequential Interdependence
 3. Reciprocal Interdependence
Pooled Interdependence

 Occurs when organizational

units have a common
resource but no A
interrelationship with one
another. F B
Head-
quarters
E C

D
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Sequential Interdependence

 Occurs when organizational units must

coordinate the flow of information, resources,
and tasks from one unit to another.

A B C

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Reciprocal Interdependence

 Occurs when information,

resources, and tasks must
be passed back and forth A B
between work groups.

C D

E F
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Conflict Management
 Conflict
 The perceived incompatible differences in a group
resulting in some form of interference with or
opposition to its assigned tasks.
 Traditional view: conflict must be avoided.
 Human relations view: conflict is a natural and
inevitable outcome in any group.
 Interactionist view: conflict can be a positive force
and is absolutely necessary for effective group
performance. Conflict should be encouraged; keeps
the group alive, self-critical, and creative
Types of Conflict:
Interpersonal Conflict ~ Conflict between individuals due to
differences in their goals or values.
Intra-group Conflict ~ Conflict within a group or team.
Inter-group Conflict ~ Conflict between two or more teams or
groups.
Inter-organizational Conflict that arises across organizations.
Task-oriented conflict: relates group goals or objectives
Behavioral conflict: relates to individual’s value system,
approach, attitude, ego state, skill and norms followed by him
Structural conflict or process conflict: relates to how a task is
being accomplished
SOURCES OF CONFLICT:
Techniques to Reduce
Conflict
 Avoidance

 Accommodation
 Forcing
 Compromise
 Collaboration
Negotiation
A process in which two or more parties exchange goods
or services and attempt to agree upon the exchange
rate for them
There can be two types of Negotiation

Distributive Bargaining
Negotiation that seeks to divide up a fixed
amount of resources; a win-lose and lose-
lose situation.
Integrative Bargaining
Negotiation that seeks one or more settlements
that can create a win-win solution.
Characteristics
Bargaining Distributive Integrative
Characteristic Bargaining Bargaining

Goal Get as much of pie Expand the pie

as possible
Motivation Win-Lose, Lose-Lose Win-Win
Focus Positions Interests
Information Low High
Sharing

Duration of Short term Long term

relationships
Bargaining Zone
 The Negotiation
Process

BATNA
The Best Alternative To
a Negotiated
Agreement; the lowest
acceptable value
(outcome) to an
individual for a
negotiated agreement.