Conflict is an inevitable feature of organizations but is rarely recognized or understood. Required: Briefly describe characteristics of conflict which may be observed in the workplace

Characteristics of conflict are:
– poor communication, remembering that communication may be vertical and horizontal
– departmental, team and individual rivalries
– departmental, team and individual jealousies
– inter-departmental disputes
– inter-personal disputes and arguments
– widespread arbitration and personnel department involvement
– inflexibility to change
– low morale
– frustration
– individuals’ unwillingness to share information
– distorted information
– rigid application of, and adherence to, rules and procedures
– encouragement and use of the informal communication network
– concealed objectives; an individual or department may feel undervalued and follow other, self serving objectives
– territorial defence