Discussion: Functional and Dysfunctional Conflict in the Workplace
In your work as an HR professional, you may find yourself involved in both functional and dysfunctional conflict situations when there are disagreements between individuals or groups in the workplace. One of your goals will be to help employees address and manage functional conflicts before they become dysfunctional.

As discussed by Liddle (2017), “conflict pivots between functional or dysfunctional conflict based on our perceptions.” Functional conflict, when approached in a positive way can “be a powerful driver of change, learning and growth” (Liddle, 2017, p. 20) and “can spark innovation, trust and engagement” (Meinert, 2017, para. 4). Conversely, dysfunctional conflict, or negative conflict, in the workplace “drains energy, which is costly to companies, teams and relationships” (Meinert, 2017, para. 5).


Post a cohesive and scholarly response based on and supported by your required readings, media, and research this week that addresses the following:

Explain functional conflict versus dysfunctional conflict.
Based on your experience of functional and dysfunctional conflict in the workplace, describe an example for each in the workplace.
Share ways in which you may need to grow as an HR professional in each of these areas.

Learning Resources
Required Readings
Note: It is highly recommended that you review the resources in the following order.

Liddle D. (2017). Managing conflict: A practical guide to resolution in the workplace. Kogan Page.

Copyright 2017? by Kogan Page. Reprinted by permission of Kogan Page via the Copyright Clearance Center. 

Chapter 1: What’s Wrong with Contemporary Conflict Management and What Can Organizations Do About It?
 The Two Types of Conflict, pp. 24—27, including Table 1.1
Liddle D. (2017). Managing conflict: A practical guide to resolution in the workplace. Kogan Page.

Copyright 2017? by Kogan Page. Reprinted by permission of Kogan Page via the Copyright Clearance Center. 

Chapter 2: The Lifecycle of a Conflict: How and Why Conflicts Escalate
The Lifecycle of Conflict, pp. 32—40, including Figure 2.2
Meinert, D. (2017). Battle on: Why conflict can be healthy. HR Magazine, 62(4), 16.   

Laws.com. (2019). Conflict management defined. Retrieved from https://litigation.laws.com/conflict-management

Spangler, B. (2017). Settlement, resolution, management, and transformation: An explanation of terms. Retrieved from https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/meaning_resolution

Mediate2Go. (2019, May 9). Stages of conflict. Mediate to Go Blog. Retrieved from http://blog.mediate2go.com/2019/05/stages-of-conflict.html

Brahm, E. (2003, September). Conflict stages. Retrieved from https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/conflict_stages

The Foundation Coalition. (n.d.). Understanding conflict and conflict management. Retrieved from http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au/media/10646/understanding_conflict_and_conflict_management.pdf

Required Media
Walden University (Producer). (2019a). Professional perspectives: Health aspects of conflict [Video file]. Author. Retrieved from https://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/MHRM/PROG/Global_ProTech/index.html

Note: To locate this video, connect to the Global Protech website, then select the Career Connections tab. Once you are in the Career Connections area, select Professional Prospective, then select the videos that align with this course. 

Optional Resource
Katz, N., & McNulty, K. (1994). Conflict resolution. Retrieved from https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/uploadedFiles/parcc/cmc/Conflict Resolution NK.pdf

Note: Please read “Positive Results of Conflict,” pp. 3–4; and “Conflict Resolution,” pp. 9–11.