How Conflict in Workplace Communications Cause Stress

¶ … Conflicts in Workplace Communications Cause Stress

Workplace communication, like any communication, is basic to the interaction and subsequent performance of the participants. What are the causes of conflict in workplace communication and what are the ways in which employees experience this stress?

Workplace communication is different from social communication due to the contrived hierarchy one finds in the workplace. One communicates in the workplace with employees who are in subordinate positions as well as with those who occupy equal or superior positions within the company. Each type of communication requires different levels of formality. Like any form of communication, workplace communication has differing styles. Styles of communication, coupled with the workplace hierarchy, create interesting and stressful results. Finally, workplace diversity leads to communication problems and stress. As the workplace becomes more diversified, methods of communication must become more precise. Let us first approach this subject from the subordinate employees' point-of-view.

One must understand and accept directions from supervisors when one is in a subordinate position. "Some people can't tolerate working in a situation over which they have little control" (Whigham-Desir, 1993) The stress of understanding requests by supervisors is part of the job. The outcome is either a good performance review and possible raise, or a mediocre evaluation, no increase in wage, and possible termination.

For understanding to happen, the subordinate needs to have clear instruction. "Companies must improve the flow of communication to employees, which in turn will help relieve their anxiety,' he adds" (Whigham-Desir, 1993). When one understands the expectations of the job, one is able to measure their success. Inappropriate or incomplete communication, by a supervisor, can confuse the subordinate and cause stress. If one does not understand their job and cannot find adequate instruction, then one is forced to bear the weight of his/her decision making. "The stress of making a decision in an ambiguous circumstance is heightened by the reality of the situation" (Johansen, 2002). Poor communication style is a major stressor in the workplace. "Understanding these patterns (styles) will alleviate some frustration (in communication)" (Darby, 2004, pg. 14)

Communication between employees of equal rank is also a source of stress. One might rather use the word miss-communication than communication in this instance. Employees who find themselves vying for favor or recognition experience a full range of communication types. Deliberate sabotage by one employee to another, subterfuge, rumor mongering, are all methods of communication. The level of workplace competition dictates the degree to which workers rely upon these tactics to succeed. "The key is to decrease the stress and make communication easier" (Darby, 2004, pg. 14).

The supervisor must deal with subordinates on a daily basis. It is important that they are able to match their communication style with that of their employee. By doing this, the employee gets what they need to feel more comfortable. Employees are the resource by which a company provides results. If employees feel that the demands placed on them by the company are more than they can deal with then stress is the result. "Stress has been described as a perception of imbalance between resources and demand" (Black, 2001, p. 83). Adequate methods and styles of communication alleviate part of the problem.

In an effort to alleviate stress in the workplace, communication must be clear and founded. Communication in the form of rumors creates stress for all level of employee. An atmosphere of mistrust develops if an employee cannot trust the information he/she receives. "It is out of this atmosphere of mistrust that the rumor mill is created."People will fill the information vacuum with the worst-case scenario, says Evans" (Whigham-Desir, 1993).

Communication between employees of different nationalities and cultures is a huge area of stress for employees in the workplace. Not only are communication styles different, but comprehension and perceptions made by employees inherit a completely new meaning. Consider the ramifications of hierarchy on an employee whose culture allows only for male participants. A female supervisor needs to understand the challenge while maintaining her position and authority. The sensitivity to these types of situations is growing, and with it the importance of appropriate communication style.