Conflict management is an integral part of successful business administration. Research shows that managers often spend as much as 20 percent of their work day trying to resolve conflict. Although conflict is a common workplace issue, it is important to recognize the sources of conflict and implement strategies to solve problems. This can help businesses overcome the harmful aspects of conflict and benefit from the positive results conflict can produce.

There are four basic elements of conflict. These include:

1. The involvement of two or more parties

2. A perception of incompatible goals

3. Differing values or perceptions

4. A continuation of the conflict until both sides feel satisfied with the results.

Conflict in the workplace can take many forms. However, it always requires at least two parties. Often, one of the parties is unaware of the conflict. They are a part of it nonetheless. From the perspective of management, it is best to identify the two parties and separate them initially. The first step is to accept that there is a problem and to define what it is and who is involved.

It is often difficult to realize that problems are stemming from a perception of incompatible goals. Individuals may have specific goals for their department or the organization as a whole. Those goals may be quite different than the goals that someone else in another department might have. It is often easier for an individual to see him or herself as the