Conflict within a team can have profound implications for both morale and productivity. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that prolonged exposure to workplace conflicts can lead to increased stress levels and decreased productivity among employees.
When left unchecked, it can undermine trust, increase stress levels, and create a negative atmosphere that hampers the team's ability to deliver. However, when managed effectively, conflict can serve as a catalyst for growth, foster creativity, and lead to improved problem-solving skills. BUT conflict can also lead to increased innovation when managed effectively, according to research in the Journal of Organizational Behavior.
In this article, we'll explore the visible and tangible effects of conflict on team dynamics and offer suggestions for maintaining team morale and productivity in the face of disagreements.