Unresolved conflicts entail opportunity costs.

There is an increasing need to better manage conflict in health care settings. The need arises from three factors: Recognition that employee concerns and frustrations within the work environment, if not addressed and resolved, can have an adverse effect on productivity, morale, and most important, patient care. The fact that, in today's litigious society, problems in the workplace not quickly addressed may result in costly lawsuits. The fact that unresolved conflicts affect the organization's ability to maximize each employee's contribution to the enterprise. To the extent that conflict represents efficiency and effectiveness opportunities and remains unaddressed or unresolved, the organization incurs significant opportunity costs that will impede its competitiveness.