11. Workplace Structure and Culture

 
Potential Conflict in an Organisation 

There can be many different areas of potential conflict in an organisation.  These can include: 

Conflict Within the Board 

·       Between a board member and the chairperson. 

·       Between board members. 

·       Board meetings - when disagreements arise or when meeting procedures are not being followed. 

·       Cultural clashes - people from different cultural backgrounds may have values and interests that conflict with each other. 

·       Conflict of interest when a board member may profit from a specific arrangement that the board is considering e.g.: a board member who has a business enterprise and wants the board to purchase his/her goods and/or services. 

Conflict Within the Organisation 

·       Nepotism - e.g.: Hiring or favouring a relative. 

·       Jealousy - e.g.: One person or family seen to have more power on the board or in the organisation.

·       Between the manager or chief executive officer (CEO) and the board - e.g.: Spending disagreement. 

·       Between board members and staff (including management). 

·       Between management and staff. 

·       Between management (e.g.: CEO and manager). 

·       Between staff (e.g.: Finance manager & manager). 

·       Between committees. 

·       Between staff from different cultural backgrounds. 

Conflict Between Organisation and Community 

·       Differing visions for development of community. 

·       Different priorities. 

·       Lack of consultation with community. 

·       Lack of understanding of the role of the board.

·       The community feels the board is not acting in the community’s best interests. 

·       Disagreement over decisions. 

·       The organisation’s activities are not seen to be benefiting the community. 

 Conflict Between Organisation and the Wider Community 

·       Native Title land claims - e.g.: conflicts of interest between mining companies or farmers and organisation. 

·       Between organisation and government departments. 

·       Legal conflicts - e.g.: if someone on the board or in the organisation does not follow legal requirements or organisational processes. 

·       Racism - e.g.: organisation or individuals within it unable to carry out functions due to racism in wider community. 

·       Perception in wider community that Aboriginal organisations are given free government handouts.