Conflict Conflict Introduction Conflict has been defined in a variety of ways although many of them focus simply on manifestations of an underlying conflict rather than conflict itself. Conflict exists whenever one set of goals, needs or interests disagree with another set. Both power and conflict can be examined through three approaches, each offering different explanations for them. Conflict can be beneficial if 'institutionalised'.
Intrapersonal conflict occurs as a result of the relationship between our goals.
In our work lives, we have opportunities and responsibilities and different emotional responses to them. We feel positive about some choices we must make, negative about others and mixed about still others. When we are faced with a positive alternative and a negative alternative there is no conflict. We simply strive to achieve the positive goal. Under other conditions, however, our goals are in conflict.