Types of Conflicts – ERMIS Africa Ltd

4.0 Conflict Management and Peace Building

4.0 Module 301 : Conflict Management and Peace Building

4.2.4 Types of Conflicts

Conflicts can be classified into the following four types

Interpersonal conflict refers to a conflict between two individuals. This occurs typically due to how people are different from one another. We have varied personalities which usually results to incompatible choices and opinions. Apparently, it is a natural occurrence which can eventually help in personal growth or developing your relationships with others.

Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual. The experience takes place in the person’s mind. Hence, it is a type of conflict that is psychological involving the individual’s thoughts, values, principles and emotions.
Intragroup conflict is a type of conflict that happens among individuals within a team. The incompatibilities and misunderstandings among these individuals lead to an intragroup conflict. It is arises from interpersonal disagreements (e.g. team members have different personalities which may lead to tension) or differences in views and ideas (e.g. in a presentation, members of the team might find the notions presented by the one presiding to be erroneous due to their differences in opinion). Within a team, conflict can be helpful in coming up with decisions which will eventually allow them to reach their objectives as a team.
Intergroup conflict takes place when a misunderstanding arises among different teams within an organization. For instance, one department of an organization can come in conflict with another department. This is due to the varied sets of goals and interests of these different groups. In addition, competition also contributes for intergroup conflict to arise.

Exercise 1

Facilitator discusses the difference between a root cause, a core issue and an effect of a conflict, giving an example of a conflict which incorporates all three aspects. Participants are divided into groups. Each group is asked to select a conflict in their area that they are familiar with and discuss. The Facilitator may want to provide a list of examples on the flipchart. Regroup and have each group present their work for the entire group to discuss. The Facilitator should then review different conflict management styles and in what scenarios each should and can be used.