Abstract:

Constant changes in the organization happen as a consequence of keeping up with a permanently changing market, therefore conflicts are inevitable. It is considered to be potentially highly constructive [Tjosvold, 2008, p.19] but objectively analysing, it can prove difficult [Wall, Callister, 1995, p. 515].

The process of introducing cloud solutions to everyday work as one of the organisational changes may cause conflicts – it seems so at first glance. As with any change, conflicts may occur. However, it is a specific change because its nature is technological. Therefore, it seems that the transfer of certain activities of the company to the cloud does not change the activity of the company itself, but only the technological way of performing it. Such a change seems to require its participants to supplement their technological competences, nothing more. On the other hand, it can be concluded that after introducing cloud solutions to the daily work of manufacturing companies, conflicts in the area of competences (knowledge, skills) may arise. A change in the level of required competences at work may result in conflicts in the area of power, because in the manufacturing companies usually the superior is expected to have higher competences in a specific area of concern than his/her employees. Therefore, the study aims to examine whether a conflict arises, and what is its background. As the basis, the Foucauldian perspective of knowledge/power origin of conflict was adopted.