Dynamics of Inter-group conflicts

The following points are covered in the dynamics of an inter-group conflict:

• Changes within each group: When there is inter-group conflict in an organization, systematic changes take place in the perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of the participants. They are as follows:
  • The group demands more loyalty from individual members while facing an external threat. In the face of an external threat, past differences and difficulties between group members are forgotten and group cohesiveness increases.
  • In an inter-group conflict, it is important for a group to respond quickly and in a unified manner to the activities of other groups. In an inter-group conflict, the organization and structure of the work group becomes more rigid.   It   leads to more coordination of activities, allocution of responsibilities to different group members.
  • Changes in relation between groups: The nature of the relationships between groups also changes markedly during inter-group conflicts. Union-Management relationships during contract negotiations are one of the examples of the group dynamics. It becomes difficult for each group to see the positive behavior and attitude of the other group. Each party undervalues the interests of the other group. The changes that occur arc as follows:
  • There are distortions of perception about one’s own group and about the other group.
  • The interaction and communication between groups’ decreases.
  • There is a shift among the groups from a problem-solving motive to a win-lose motive.
  • There is increased ill feeling towards the rival group.