Which term describes a form of conflict that leads to division among staff and undermines cooperation?

Which term describes a form of conflict that leads to division among staff and undermines cooperation?

• A. Unresolved Conflict
• B. Constructive Conflict
• C. Healthy Competition
• D. Collaborative Practice

Answer: (A)

Unresolved conflict describes when disagreements aren’t addressed in a timely, constructive way, so underlying issues fester and tensions persist. When concerns aren’t resolved, trust erodes, communication breaks down, and staff begin to withdraw or clash, creating silos and undermining the ability to work together. This division and lack of cooperation can spill over into patient care, safety, and morale. Constructive conflict, by contrast, involves airing differences respectfully and solving problems through open dialogue, which strengthens teamwork. Healthy competition can motivate performance without necessarily breaking cooperation, and collaborative practice centers on cooperation and shared goals. Thus, unresolved conflict best fits the idea of division and undermined teamwork.

Unresolved conflict describes when disagreements aren’t addressed in a timely, constructive way, so underlying issues fester and tensions persist. When concerns aren’t resolved, trust erodes, communication breaks down, and staff begin to withdraw or clash, creating silos and undermining the ability to work together. This division and lack of cooperation can spill over into patient care, safety, and morale.

Constructive conflict, by contrast, involves airing differences respectfully and solving problems through open dialogue, which strengthens teamwork. Healthy competition can motivate performance without necessarily breaking cooperation, and collaborative practice centers on cooperation and shared goals. Thus, unresolved conflict best fits the idea of division and undermined teamwork.