Conflict Resolution with Stakeholders in Procurement and Supply

Conflict Resolution with Stakeholders in Procurement and Supply

Conflict Resolution in Stakeholder Engagement

Recognising Signs of Conflict

  • Communication Breakdown: When communication becomes more difficult and strained, it may indicate the presence of a conflict.
  • Increased Complaints: A sudden increase in complaints can be a sign that there’s discord between the parties involved.
  • Changes in Behaviour: Changes from normal, cooperative behaviour to uncooperative or aggressive behaviour may be a reflection of underlying conflict.

Types of Conflict

  • Interpersonal Conflicts: When there are clashes between personalities, feelings or personal beliefs.
  • Process Conflicts: Occurs when there’s disagreement about how tasks should be carried out.
  • Structural Conflicts: Caused by structural factors like power relations, hierarchies and roles.

Conflict Management Techniques

  • Collaboration: When conflicting parties work together to identify a win-win solution.
  • Compromise: Parties find a middle ground where both parties give up part of their demands.
  • Avoidance: One party withdraws, postpones, or sidesteps the conflict.
  • Competition: One party pursues their concerns at the expense of the other party.
  • Accommodation: One party gives in to the other and does not emphasise their own concerns.

Attributes for Effective Conflict Resolution

  • Active Listening: Respectful and genuine interest in understanding the other party’s perspective.
  • Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of another, encouraging open communication and resolution.
  • Negotiation Skills: Skills used to reach an agreement or compromise by settlement.

Conflict Resolution Methods

  • Mediation: A neutral third party facilitates the resolution process, but does not impose a solution.
  • Negotiation: A process by which compromise or agreement is reached while avoiding argument or dispute.
  • Arbitration: A neutral third party makes a decision about the dispute.
  • Conciliation: An outside party builds a positive relationship between the parties, improving communication and possibly facilitating negotiation.

Remember, conflict is part of any relational process. Effective conflict management ensures smoother procurement and supply chain processes, and it helps in maintaining better stakeholder relationships.