The Conflict-Positive Organization: Stimulate Diversity and Create Unity

Dean Tjosvold, Simon Fraser University

1991 0-201-51485-0 280 pp. Softcover

Published by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company

There is a popular assumption that conflict is so destructive that the goal of good management should be to minimize friction. The Conflict-Positive Organization takes the opposite position and presents the argument that conflict, when well managed, adds substantial value to organization. In an extensive case study, it describes how the employees in one company used opposing ideas to make decisions, negotiate their differences, and deal with anger to strenghten their relationships and get things done. Conflict is the medium by which problems are recognized and solved. It is needed to improve the innovation and productivity of the company and the competence and well-being of its employees.

The book describes ideas and procedures for making conflict positive and suggests how people working together can develop an organization that puts positive conflict to work. The positive-conflict model is a tough-minded, practical approach to confronting difficult business issues. At the same time, it respects individuals' ideas and feelings and is a people-focused approach designed to obtain high commitment from today's employees. The book's perspective challenges managers and employees to use positive conflict to create competitive advantages.

Contents

• Confronting Conflict
• Coping with a Conflict
• Positive Conflict at Work
• A Positive Conflict Culture and Structure
• Conflict-Organization

Please send any comments or suggestions to b&e.is@aw.com

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