What is a disagreement or difference of opinions or principles called in a business context?

In a business context, a disagreement or difference of opinions or principles is referred to as conflict. Conflict arises when two or more parties have opposing views or interests, which can occur in various forms such as verbal disagreements, competing goals, or divergent values. It is an inherent part of organizational dynamics and often requires management to address it in a constructive way to prevent escalation and to foster a productive environment.

Negotiation typically refers to the process of reaching an agreement between parties with differing interests. While it may occur in response to a conflict, it is a proactive step rather than a definition of the disagreement itself. Dispute resolution involves the methods and processes used to resolve a conflict but does not define the disagreement. Collaboration signifies working together harmoniously towards common goals, which contrasts with the nature of conflict where parties are at odds with each other. Therefore, "conflict" captures the essence of a disagreement in a business setting accurately and succinctly.