Functional conflict is tension or disagreement within a group that produces positive outcomes. The term “conflict” frequently carries a negative connotation, whereas functional conflict occurs when members of a group debate disagreements in a collaborative manner.
Thinking analytically and discussing decision alternatives is a common source of disagreement in functional groups. A main reason why businesses utilise work groups is to obtain diverse perspectives and ideas for making crucial choices. As group members present choices, they share their perspectives and experiences and debate the respective advantages and disadvantages. Although tension may increase, functional conflict ensures that employees remain impersonal and ultimately reach an accord.
An other claimed benefit of functional conflict is enhanced workplace competition. In a sales workplace, for example, functional conflict may arise when sales personnel fight to meet monthly sales goals.
When conflict is useful, individual employees achieve personal growth, and the group’s morale is generally higher. Innovation and creativity are enhanced by functional conflict, as group members become more cognizant of their duties and conversations generate new concepts.
dysfunctional conflict is the antithesis of functional conflict. With dysfunctional conflict, group tension becomes more intense and personal, frequently resulting in a decrease in morale and organisational loyalty.
