Workplace conflict: why it happens and how to manage it
Authors
Lesley Jones is head of clinical education at Cwm Taf University Health Board; Jane Harden is senior lecturer in adult nursing at Cardiff University; Mark Radford is director of nursing - improvement; Jacqueline McKenna is director of nursing - professional leadership, both at NHS Improvement.
Abstract
In a large and complex organisation such as the NHS, workplace conflict is inevitable. It may arise from structural issues, incompatible personalities or differing opinions, and is exacerbated by demanding jobs, long hours, pressure on resources, organisational change and societal factors. A common strategy is to try to reduce or eliminate conflict but, if it is inherent to the workplace, surely it is better to learn to manage it? This article explores what causes conflict, the stages it follows and on what people need to reflect to be better able to deal with it.
Citation
Workplace conflict: why it happens and how to manage it. Nursing Times; 115: 3, 25-27.