75 Reasons for Conflict

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There are many reasons for conflict within a team or between teams. One way to simplify the source of the conflict is to examine whether the conflict is task-based or if it stems from a relational issue. This separation is often helpful because, generally speaking, task-based conflict is productive while relationship-based conflict is destructive to the desired outcome. Often, though, conflict is complex and doesn’t have a single source that can be pinpointed and identified as one or the other. For that, this list of 75 reasons for conflict may help you find a resolution, or at least shed some light on the matter.

Task-Related Causes

  1. Competing goals
  2. Incompatible interests
  3. Differing principles
  4. Incongruent values
  5. Disagreement about strategy
  6. Disagreement about execution
  7. Diverse perspectives
  8. Lack of focus
  9. Unclear objectives
  10. Poor planning
  11. Missed deadlines

    12. External Influences

  12. Struggle for resources
  13. Limited resources
  14. A failing project
  15. Win-lose scenarios
  16. Disgruntled customers
  17. Budget allocations
  18. Lack of information
  19. Interdependence
  20. Ineffective processes

    21. Emotional Triggers

  21. Mixed feelings
  22. Expectations
  23. Prejudices
  24. Perception of injustice
  25. Jealousy
  26. Retaliation
  27. Anger
  28. Nonverbal signals triggering “fight or flight”
  29. Stress buildup
  30. Burnout
  31. Fear
  32. Power dynamics
  33. Harsh feedback
  34. Feeling unappreciated
  35. Lack of trust
  36. Distrust
  37. Dissatisfaction
  38. Feeling judged
  39. Being isolated

    40. Behavioral Antecedents

  40. Miscommunication
  41. Risk-aversion
  42. Self-centered
  43. Sarcasm
  44. Competitive culture
  45. Competitive personality
  46. Demeaning language
  47. Patronizing language
  48. Condescending language
  49. Undermining expertise
  50. Arrogance
  51. Assumptions
  52. Complacency
  53. Hostility
  54. Passive-aggressive
  55. Avoiding
  56. Perfectionism
  57. Inconsiderate behavior
  58. Abusing authority
  59. Desire to be “right”
  60. Overdependence on others
  61. Blaming or pointing fingers
  62. Power struggles
  63. Interrupting
  64. Accusing
  65. Rudeness
  66. Unreliable
  67. Failing to share credit
  68. Micromanaging
  69. Incompetence
  70. Complaining
  71. Slow to adapt
  72. Not walking the talk
  73. Questioning others’ motives
  74. Assuming the worst of others
  75. Assuming best of self

Ask Yourself

  • Which of these get to you personally?
  • What irritates your teammates/coworkers?
  • Which causes of conflict are most common on your team?
  • Which of these are common among your friends/family?

Eva Rykrsmith

Eva Rykrsmith is an organizational psychology practitioner. Her passion lies in bringing a psychology perspective to the business world, with the mission of creating a high-performance environment. Follow her @EvaRykr.

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