- Conflict signs, causes and conflict management styles

Your work group is composed of two women and five men. The two women have raised a problem to the group: They feel that the men are dominating the group process and, more importantly, the decision making. Three of the five men tell you privately that the women are "taking advantage of being women" to gain power, and one even confides in you that he considers the women "bitches." You know that the women are right and that they are following ethical group process by bringing up the issue to the group, rather than running to the boss. You feel, however, that you might jeopardise your own reputation (and future with the company) by supporting them, especially since the corporation is dominated by men. One of the men in the group appears to be neutral, as far as you can tell.

Examine the potential causes of conflict. Think about the appropriate conflict management style/approach you would take? What are your possibilities for a structured approach?