Building Trust through Transparent Communication in Conflict Management

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable part of human life and existence. It is one aspect of human life that seems to be inexcusable. This implies that there is bound to be conflict in every facet of organisational dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and group interactions. Conflict refers to disagreement in the way and manner events are expected to be carried out or are carried out. It implies a state of incompatibility or opposition between two or more parties, individuals or groups with differing interests or goals. In other words, conflicts arise when there is a difference in the interests or objectives of individuals. Conflicts can be of various kinds such as interpersonal, intrapersonal, group, social, cultural, economic, religious and political. Conflict, is, in fact, one common denominator across various groups and organisations. It can be as low as a gentle disagreement between friends or colleagues or as high and dangerous as inter-communal wars. Mayer (2022) however posits that one benefit of conflict is that it leads to a better understanding of the parties involved, depending on how the conflict was managed. This implies that appropriate conflict management can yield positive outcomes.