Helping ourselves to help others: Analyzing conflicts in an NPO from volunteers and paid staff perspective

Nonprofit organizations are quite complex in terms of organizational structure, diversity at the workplace as well motivational mechanisms and values rationality. This study analyzes the existing conflicts in a NPO organization, applying the traditional typology of organizational conflict, as well as its causes, considering the perspective of volunteers and paid staff. To this aim, the analysis of how power influences the conflict types observed by these collectives will be also taken into consideration. Results confirmed the existence of task, relationship, process and status conflicts in NPOs. Four specific sources of conflict were identified: a) work overload; b) decision making processes; c) resources and work dynamics d) emotional discomfort and stress. Differences regarding paid staff and volunteers perspectives are discussed.