Functional conflict is termed so because it is in line with the policies and goals of the organization. On the other hand, dysfunctional conflict can arise from personal differences and non-work-related issues such as different belief systems.

Question 1. As a new Project Manager, what steps will you implement to resolve or prevent project conflict constraints?Provide ideas to prevent communication conflict within the project team and stakeholders.

Question 2. In peer responses, evaluate suggestions for solving conflicts. In your current/previous workplace settings, which worked/would work the best? (give a short respond)

peer response a.

_{Creating an atmosphere where disagreements are resolved in a way that advances the objectives and policies of the company is my top priority as a new project manager. I will stress the value of open communication and urge team members to voice different viewpoints on project plans and procedures in order to resolve functional conflict. By doing this, I hope to turn potentially polarizing points of view into chances for creativity and advancement, making sure that differences of opinion are utilized for the project's overall advantage. In order to avert dysfunctional conflict resulting from individual differences, I will start team-building exercises that foster mutual respect and confidence among project participants. This could entail holding frequent team-building events, workshops, or training courses with a multicultural awareness, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills focus (Wang et al., 2016). I hope to reduce the possibility of disputes stemming from non-work-related factors like conflicting belief systems or interpersonal issues by encouraging a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. In order to avoid conflicts both among stakeholders and inside a project team, effective communication is essential (Wang et al., 2016). I will set up regular feedback systems, clear communication channels, and protocols to reduce communication disputes. This covers establishing guidelines for the frequency, format, and application of project management tools in communications (Wang et al., 2016). In addition, I'll support an open door policy and active listening among team members to quickly address concerns. My goal is to reduce misconceptions and foster a collaborative environment by instituting a clear and inclusive communication culture. We'll plan regular team meetings to give everyone a forum for updates, problem solving, and candid conversations. In order to make sure all parties involved are aware and on board with the project's objectives, I will also put into action a project communication plan that specifies how information will be distributed to them. By being proactive in communicating, misinformation and ambiguity can lessen the likelihood of confrontations. To summarize, as a project manager, I try to resolve personal conflicts through team-building exercises, turn functional conflicts into opportunities for improvement, and use strong communication techniques to keep the project team and stakeholders from getting into arguments. My goal is to establish a collaborative, understanding, and effective communication culture that will help the project succeed.}

peer response b.

_{According to Larson and Gray (2018), "project managers should recognize that conflict is inevitable and even a desirable part of project work; the key is to encourage functional conflict an manage dysfunctional conflict" (p. 412). As a project manager, I believe that it's important right from the beginning of the project to set a good example as a leader. If someone is challenging or disagreeing with an idea of yours, it's important to not act defensively. If a team knows that you are willing to take and give constructive criticism, then they are more likely to speak their mind while also having mutual respect for one another. In the past, I have personally had leaders on my team who were not willing to listen to new ideas. This ended up backfiring by making employees feel nervous to speak their minds and also by making employees rebel and go against the original plan. Another key item that I would implement is focusing on the main priority and project objectives right from the beginning. As a project manager, if you feel that the team is getting distracted and tensions are high, it's important to step in and alleviate some of this stress on the project. Whether this is simply sending out an encouraging email, planning a team activity for everyone to participate in, or even celebrating goals when they are being reached. This gives employees the motivation to work together and achieve similar goals within the project. For example, my friend's company just rewarded the employees who hit their goals with an all-inclusive trip to Cancun. While this might not be realistic for all companies to achieve, it is something that makes the team work together instead against one another. I am completely all for any type of team-building events and I believe they can work in all different types of work environments.}