Explain the concept of inter-group conflict? Enlist its types. Explain the dynamics of inter-group conflict.
Inter-Group Conflict
When there is a conflict between two different groups of an organization, it is called as inter- group conflict. Conflict between marketing and finance group in an organization is an example of inter-group conflict. The concepts of inter-group conflict can be explained through below given points.
- There are distortions of perception, related to one's own group and about the other group. Firstly, perception of one's own group is highly selective: people see only the best aspects of their own group and deny any weakness. Secondly, perception of the other groups is systematically distorted: group see only the worst parts of other groups and deny other groups positive accomplishments. Thus, inter group conflict leads to increased use of stereotypes. Each group develops more positive stereotype of itself and a more negative of other.
- Interaction and communication between groups decreases. As group members feel hostile toward members of rival group, there is less desire for interaction with them. Moreover, decreased interaction. Makes it easier for each group to maintain its negative stereotype of the other.
Even when group are forced to interact with each other, those interactions become fairly rigid and formal. Whatever information is passed between groups is carefully rationed and sometimes deliberately distorted. Groups tend to ignore the similarities between their positions and exaggerate the differences.
- There is a shift from problem-solving orientation toward other groups to a win-lose orientation. There are various facts to this shift in orientation. First, there is a much clearer distinction drawn between the groups, resulting in a "we-they" rather than a "We-versus'- the problem" orientation. Second, all exchange with the other groups are evaluated in terms of victory or defeat. Third, the other group tends to see the problem only from their own point of view, rather than in terms of the needs of both groups. Fourth, the parties emphasize the benefits of winning the conflicts in the short run and tens to ignore the long-term consequences of the conflict for the relationship between the groups.
- As a result of negative stereotyping, decreased communication between groups, win-lose orientation, etc. hostility inevitably occurs between rival groups. Members of the other group are seen as the enemy, and deserving of hostile attacks.
Types of Inter-Group Conflicts
The primary types of inter-group conflict are listed as follows:
- Functional conflict: Conflict that supports the goals of the group and improve its performance.
- Dys-functional conflicts: Conflict that hinders group performance
- Task conflict: Conflict over content and goals of the work
- Relationship conflict: Conflict based on interpersonal relationships
- Process conflict: Conflict over how work gets done The Dynamics of Inter-Group Conflict
When conflicts takes place between group the following dynamism can be seen:
1. Changes within each group: When there will be inter-group conflict, the following changes are seen within each group. Each group now tries to make them strong to meet the hurdles created, by other group. In this regard, one can observe following scenarios.
a. Loyalty to the group becomes more important: In the face of an external threat, the group demands more loyalty from individual members. Not only is social interaction with people outside the group not encouraged; it is expressly discouraged. Such interaction could lead to inadvertent betrayal of group strategy and secrets. Deviance is more closely monitored and punished.
b. There is increased concern for task accomplishment: When there is inter-group conflict, the group members becomes more concerned for accomplishing the task. There will be less informal relation among group members but high formal relation among group members.
c. Leadership in the group becomes autocratic: When inter-group conflict is present it is especially important for a group to be able to respond quickly and in a unified manner to the activities of other groups. A democratic work style can reduce the group's capacity to respond quickly. Hence, the leadership usually switches to autocracy.
d. organization and structure of the group becomes more rigid: After the inter-group conflict among the groups, each group is concerned in making the group effective. There will be rigid organizational structure with more focus on formal relation. Moreover, tasks are highly valued.
e. Group cohesiveness (degree of unity) is increased: In the face of an external threat, past differences and difficulties between group members are forgotten. The group closes ranks to meet the challenge. Individual group members find both the group as whole and other group members more attractive.
Changes in Relations between Groups:
- Interaction and communication between group decreases
- There are distortions of perception, both one's own group and about the other group
- There is a shift from a problem-solving orientation toward other groups to a win lose orientation
- There is increased hostility forward the rival group.
