The Conflict Nick Cunningham Faces is Functional

The Conflict Nick Cunningham Faces is Functional
Do you think this conflict that Nick Cunningham faces is functional or dysfunctional? Explain your reasoning, and cite Bauer and Erdogan (2011) in your answer.
The conflict Nick faces is functional because of the following reasons. Firstly, it does not have personal attacks. This contrasts with a dysfunctional conflict which can result in workplace violence (Bauer and Erdogan, 2011). While Nick and Julian disagree on some aspects of the acquisition, they do not attack each other from a personal perspective. The two maintain healthy conversations and engage each other respectfully. Secondly, the conflict has not paralyzed the operations of Beauchamp. In a dysfunctional conflict, an organization's operations are paralyzed (Bauer and Erdogan, 2011). While Nick has not agreed with Julian, the business operations are still moving. The business continues to operate normally as Nick looks for ways to reach a consensus with Julian. While changes are happening in Beauchamp, normal operations are still moving on.
Thirdly, the conflict has not involved dishonesty tactics. According to Bauer and Erdogan (2011), conflicts become dysfunctional when they entail underhanded tactics. Here, both Nick and Julian represent the interests of their respective businesses. Each party understands that the other has an objective to attain. Hence, nothing is done secretly and dishonestly. Lastly, the conflict allows both sides to express their different viewpoints freely. Nick organizes a meeting with Julian to understand his concerns regarding the acquisition. Julian does not fear expressing his disapproval of how the acquisition was done in a way that does not favor the culture of Beauchamp. On the other hand, Nick tries his best to demonstrate why the changes are necessary while simultaneously promising to talk to his superiors to make changes in some areas.
What is the source of this conflict? Use the terminology from Bauer and Erdogan (2011) in your answer. For example, is this conflict a result of relationship/interpersonal issues? Or from tasks/roles? Other?
The source of the conflict is communication problems. The conflicts result from the inability of the two parties to communicate effectively. Firstly, the Synergon integration team swung into action without informing Beauchamp without communicating much about what was expected. For instance, Synergon's HR director told his counterpart in Beauchamp that the existing Associate Bonus Plan would be scrapped. Instead, it was to be replaced with Synergon's Big Bang Bonus Plan. As a result, Beauchamp's associates would have their bonus reduced by 70%. Additionally, Synergon closed down the cafeteria that had offered the employees at Beauchamp free meals. Moreover, purchasing and travel would have to go through Synergon's vendors. These changes were not communicated well to Julian. Instead, he got reports of what Synergon was doing without understanding his perspective.
Secondly, Synergon failed to communicate why they were abruptly making some changes. Beauchamp knew that the acquisition would bring changes. However, it was expected that Synergon would communicate the reason for the changes and allow Beauchamp to respond. For instance, Julian...