costs of conflict
The Co$ts of Conflict:
When conflict is unresolved, questions arise about how to move forward. The question that emerges for organizations, community groups, families and individuals is not simply whether to spend money to attain assistance with resolving the conflict. Rather, the question is whether to spend money to attain assistance with resolving the conflict now, or pay significantly more later in damaged relationships, inefficient communication, low morale, low productivity, absenteeism, loss of staff, labour relations grievances, family court costs, etc.
For organizations, when conflict occurs in the workplace, 52% of work time is wasted defending avoiding and venting to others (Safety Council of Canada, 2002). Absenteeism due to workplace conflict costs Canadian firms over $3 billion per year (CPRN, 2001). Furthermore, employees who feel mistrusted and disrespected withhold ideas and refuse to share information, skills and knowledge which damages organizations (Sloan Management Review, 2001). If they use complaint procedures that are considered to be inadequate or unfair, frustrated employees work less and are more likely to quit (Academy of Management Executives, 1998).
Canadian workers ranked respect at 73% as the most important aspect of job satisfaction with good pay ranked at 51% or in 10th place (CPRN, 2000). Studies consistently indicate that addressing conflict effectively leads to improved health, accelerated productivity, increased quality and decreased costs (Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement, 2001).
For families, individuals and organizations, conflict presents opportunities to expand conventional understanding, deepen relationships and teamwork and to move forward with fresh ideas, enhanced skills and greater life satisfaction.
The Neutral Zone can help...
"The Neutral Zone provided enormous support and expertise in resolving conflicts before they got out of control. This is both time and cost saving for all parties."
- Damian J. Duffy, Education and Human Resources Administrator, Department of Pediatrics, Children's & Women's Health Centre
Provincial Health Services