Intergroup relations between two or more groups and their respective members are often necessary to complete the work required to operate a business. Many times, groups inter-relate to accomplish the organization's goals and objectives, and conflict can occur. Some conflict, called functional conflict, is considered positive, because it enhances performance and identifies weaknesses. Dysfunctional conflict, however, is confrontation or interaction between groups that harms the organization or hinders attainment of goals or objectives.
Intragroup conflict is distinctive in that it occurs between members of a group or team who are theoretically united over a common characteristic or objective; in contrast, intergroup conflict occurs between two competing or distinct groups. Intragroup conflicts are most common in workplaces that divide employees into specific teams or departments. An example of intragroup conflict would be members of a marketing group debating about the best way to launch a new product. If the group was experiencing intergroup conflict, the marketing team may argue with the technology development team about the launch. Intragroup conflict is marked by verbal disagreements between group members that could result ultimately in the fracturing of the group into distinct and opposing parts. Groups experiencing intragroup conflict may frequently solicit the input of superiors or show delayed progress in achieving a goal.
The four factors that determine usefulness of information are completeness, timeliness, quality and relevance.Incomplete information can lead to bad decisions, because if a decision is made with only some of the information chances are it will not be the right decision. The missing information could be crucial. Let’s say a shoe store manager learns that Popup shoes are becoming a new fad. She orders 100 pairs in the most popular shoe colors: brown, black and white. Then, she learns that what makes Popup shoes popular is that they come in wild colors and patterns. She has the right kind of shoes, but the wrong colors and patterns. The shoes she ordered are not going to sell, and her customers will go to other stores after being disappointed at her lack of appropriate selection.
The timeliness of information is crucial