Business Communication & Digital Workplace · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 4: Conflict Resolution · Lesson 1 of 3

Root Causes of Conflict

Understand what lies beneath workplace conflict.

In this lesson you will

  • Identify causes of conflict
  • Recognise early signs

Key concepts

unclear rolesresourcesvalues and stylesearly signs

The lesson

Common causes: unclear roles, competition for resources, different working styles, misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Early signs include avoidance, short replies, complaints to others and missed handovers.

Addressing causes early prevents bigger problems.

Step by step

  1. Analyse a conflict case.
  2. Identify root causes.
  3. List early signs.
  4. Suggest prevention.

Practice activity

Analyse the provided conflict case.

Expected result: Root causes identified with prevention ideas.

Check your understanding

  1. Name two common causes of workplace conflict.

    Show answer

    Unclear roles, resources, working styles or misunderstandings.

  2. Why address conflict early?

    Show answer

    To prevent bigger problems.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.