Conflict in work environment - its causes, prevention, methods of solving

Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Organization and Management, Institute of Economics and Informatics, Zabrze; Anna.Gembalska-Kwiecien@polsl.pl, ORCID: 0000-0001-9275-0447 Purpose: This paper attempts to present the essence of the problem of conflicts in the work environment, as well as their most important causes and methods of solving them. Attention was also drawn to the possibility of creative resolution of the disputed issues. The essence of conflict is problematic, due to various definitions and concepts assigned to the term. In the presented paper, conflict will be defined in a way that enables consideration of its constructive, as well as functional aspects. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical research was conducted in the form of a questionnaire addressed to employees. Literature research of the subject was carried out. Findings: When several or a dozen or so people are to cooperate, conflicts are inevitable and even useful, they occur in all teams, regardless of their nature. Teams that are aware that constructive conflicts are needed and are prepared to resolve them work effectively, even when difficult or crisis situations arise. Members of such teams are not surprised by them, they know how to act in such situations and what behaviors of other participants of the conflict they can expect. Therefore, constructive conflicts do not deteriorate employees' efficiency, atmosphere or relations in the team. Practical implications: The issues discussed in this paper significantly affect the improvement of methods related to work environment management and the desired shaping of attitudes and behavior of employees regarding a constructive approach to the issue of conflict at work. Originality/value In company management, the greatest attention should be paid to people as the subjects of all activities. Therefore, it is worth considering and asking the question what to do in a conflict situation, what actions to take, so that the conflict is not only a destructive phenomenon, but so that by searching for its multifaceted solutions, it becomes an instrument of organizational innovation and can lead to constructive solutions and creative changes in the company.