Constructive and Destructive Aspects of Conflict 

from Judy's notebook

Constructive Aspects of Conflict 

• better ideas are produced 
• people are forced to look at new approaches 
• long standing problems surface and can be dealt with 
• people are forced to clarify their views 
• tension stimulates interest and creativity 
• people have a chance to test their capability 
• opens up issues of importance, resulting in their clarification 
• increases the involvement of individuals in issue of importance to them 
• serves as a release to pent-up emotion, anxiety, and stress 
• helps build cohesiveness among people by sharing the conflict, celebrating in its settlement, 

and learning more about each other 

Destructive Aspects of Conflict 

• defeat or demean people 
• creates distance between people 
• climate of distrust and suspicion develops 
• people or departments defend their narrow interests 
• resistance (active or passive) develops where teamwork is needed 
• causes turnover 
• diverts energy from more important activities and issues 
• destroys the morale of people or reinforces poor self-concepts 
• polarizes groups so they increase internal cohesiveness and reduces inter-group co-operation 
• deepens differences in values 

produces irresponsibility and regrettable behavior such as name-calling and fighting