If we are talking about the structure of a problem, then we need to talk about the constituents of a problem and a complex problem. These are issues and concerns encountered in a workplace environment, and they can range from simple misunderstandings to complex problems that can affect the effectiveness of an operation. It is important that all businesses address the different issues that occur in a workplace individually and solve them before the business suffers the consequences. There are many arguments in literature and previous research concerning what constitutes a problem versus a complex problem. If we look at Fischer, Greiff and Funke (2012, p. 20) a problem simply refers to the issues which can be easily solved. On the other hand, a complex problem is not that easy to solve, and it requires professional help that needs to use an abstract level of reasoning. (Proctor, 2014, p. 81). In a healthy workplace, a problem can be managed by the employees without involving top management. If any small problem is left unattended it can become a complex problem where the top management needs to get involved and sometimes, they need external help and ideas from mediators and arbitrators.
During team discussions we realized that in our working experience, an internal conflict is one of the most significant within a working environment. From our point this issue is a part of a complex problem in the workplace, and Tonder, Hayenga and Visagie (2008, p. 374) reports, workplace conflicts are inevitable because people spend most of their adult life at work. The author tells us it is difficult to have a workplace where everyone’s expectations are met, because the individuals come from different backgrounds and they have different values, and this is the reason why issues arise. Sometimes an employee can be passed over for a potential promotion or denied a raise in pay, these negative feelings can create internal conflict. In general, internal conflict is one of the greatest threats to organizational success.
References:
– Fischer, A., Greiff, S. and Funke, J. (2012). The Process of Solving Complex Problems, The Journal of Problem Solving. Vol.4, No.1, pp. 19-42. Available at https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1118&context=jps (Accessed June 29, 2023)
– Proctor, T. (2014). Creative Problem Solving for Managers: Developing Skills for Decision Making and Innovation. London: Routledge Ltd, Available at https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Proctor%2C+T+2014%2C+‘Creative+Problem+Solving+for+Managers%3A+Developing+skills+for+decision+making+and+innovation%2C’+London%3A+Routledge+Ltd+&btnG (Accessed June 29, 2023)
– Tonder, C, Havenga, W, & Visagie, J. (2008). The Causes of Conflict in Public and Private Sector Organizations in South Africa. Managing Global Transitions. Available at http://www.fm-kp.si/zalozba/ISSN/1581-6311/6_373-401.pdf (Accessed June 29, 2023)
