Knowledge Area:PROJECT Resource Management 

1. Conflicts are differences in opinion or disagreements between team members or stakeholders. Few points about conflicts
   • Conflicts are natural and inevitable when multiple people start working together.
   • Conflicts are seen as a MEANS of encouraging diverse views and ideas within the team. Hence they can be constructive too.
   • Conflicts in project happen because of differences and disagreements related to:
     • Schedule
     • Resources
     • Priorities
     • Cost
     • Administrative issues
     • Technical opinions
     • Personality
2. Conflicts can be best resolved by the parties involved in the conflict. The PM should create an environment of trust and respect within the team. The team members should be encouraged to RESOLVE conflicts among themselves.

The manager can intervene if the conflicts are not getting resolved by the team members. While resolving conflicts, the CARE should be taken not only to resolve the conflict, but also to ensure that the team dynamics and harmony is maintained.

Some of the conflict management techniques used include the following:

1. Confront/Problem Solve/ Collaborate (Best method - win – win outcome)
2. Compromise (lose-lose outcome)
3. Force (win-lose outcome)
4. Avoid/Withdraw
5. Smoothing/Accommodating

For more detailed information in conflict management, please refer our article: Conflict-management