Conflict

Conflict could be in any place, between any one this could be in the work place, in an educational establishment or at home. Conflict could be in form of an argument, disagreement or a general clash in ideas or interests between individuals, groups, families or a professional, e.g. teacher vs student.
"the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph" Thomas Paine

I have been in a situation in 6Th form, where myself and a group from my class had to work together in order to make a product in Business that would make a certain amount of money, that would be profitable to large companies such as Sara Lee, Super drug etc. As a group we all had to work together and brain storm ideas for what product we wanted to make and market, that would also sell at school in order to raise the amount of money set for the coursework project. Two members of my group were very opposite to each other their thoughts, ideas and interests were different, yet they were both extremely strong minded.
Because of this factor, they were always unable to agree to an idea, and the rest of the group would always suffer. As a result, the two members would constantly argue with each other, sometimes would not speak to each other and we were not able to produce a product to sell and failed the coursework, achieving a grade F.

Sources of power

French and Raven (1959) state that the different sources of power are,

• Coercive power: This is the power to make somebody do something that they do not want to do. This could be be bullying them, physical or verbal abuse and harm. People will also often threat others in order to show power and authority. This is usually the work of dictators, governments sociopaths etc. An example of coercive power would be Saddam Hussein, as he was a dictator, and those who did not believe in his regime or were against him, would be brutally beaten or even murdered.
• Reward power: We all work in order to support basic needs such as food, water, shelter and bills etc. But reward power is what each individual perceives as their reward for making money or doing something good, helping each other etc. Buying a new pair of shoes could be a reward for hard work, working or educational work etc, where as for some a reward could be as simple as a high grade. An example of this would be any teachers/ lecturers, this is because they work all year in order to educate their class students. The reward for some teachers may be for their students to achieve high grades and pass their subject.
• Expert power: This is when one has the education, knowledge, expertise and ability that somebody else may need. They are able to help others and provide others with knowledge is a certain area. It is usually large scale such as in big companies. An example of this could be the London undergrounds trade union as they push the workers and lead them to believe that they are under paid and need to make a stand in order to be heard.
• Legitimate power: "legitimate power is that which is invested in a role" Changing minds.org. Those of high roles, which people will look up to and respect have legitimate power. People will abide by their authority, and their role in society. An example of this would be the police all around the world.
• Referent power: This type of power is usually people that are in "the lime light". People that are not just everyday people living every day lives. Referent power is when we try to be like a certain person, we act like them and hope that by following them on a daily basis they will rub off on us. An example of this would be any celebrity well known such a Rihanna. All young girls will hope that they can dress like her, sing like her and ultimately be her.

French and Raven (1959) have described all the the types of power that we face in the world, and on a daily basis. Power is all around us and from this conflict can occur.

References

• Unknown. (2011) 'French and ravens forms of power' [online]. Changing minds. Available from: http//changingminds.org/explanations/power/french_and_raven.htm [accessed 24 January 2010]