Lesson 16: Intergroup Conflict Mgmt

Question 1

Ambiguous Work Assignment

Answer 1

A source of intergroup conflict brought about when a leader issues vague instructions to subordinate groups, allowing separate groups to interpret their meaning and how to accomplish the task.

Question 2

Avoidance

Answer 2

A conflict management strategy where the leader monitors the conflict, but does not get involved in its resolution, allowing the conflict to run its course and /or those in conflict to resolve it.

Question 3

Competition over Scarce Resources

Answer 3

A source of intergroup conflict brought about when two or more groups fight over limited resources (e.g., money, people, facilities).

Question 4

Forcing

Answer 4

A conflict management strategy where a leader mandates a solution to groups that are experiencing conflict with each other.

Question 5

Frequency of interaction

Answer 5

A source of intergroup conflict brought about by little or no interaction between groups.

Question 6

Goal Orientation

Answer 6

A source of intergroup conflict where the actions of one group in pursuit of its goals generates conflict with another group in the pursuit of its goals because the groups don’t share the same goals.

Question 7

Liaison Group

Answer 7

A proactive conflict management strategy where a leader acts to prevent or reduce the chances of conflict by forming a group with representatives from all groups to
• identify and resolve potential conflict.

Question 8

Physical Separation

Answer 8

A source of intergroup conflict brought about when groups are not located together. Physical separation keeps them from getting to know each very well.

Question 9

Problem Solving

Answer 9

A reactive conflict management strategy where a leader (or third-party mediator) brings members of conflicting groups together to identify, discuss, and resolve intergroup conflict after conflict has developed.

Question 10

Superordinate Goal

Answer 10

A conflict management strategy where a leader creates an overarching goal that requires conflicting groups to achieve an objective critically important to all groups, but that can only be achieved through intergroup cooperation.

Question 11

Tangible Nature of Work

Answer 11

A suurwe of intergroup conflict created by the way in which work products are measured. One group may generate an easily measurable product while another generates a product that is more difficult or impossible to measure.

Question 12

Time Orientation

Answer 12

A source of intergroup conflict where one group’s perception of how long work should take is different from another group’s perception of how long it should take.