Addressing Conflict Within an Owners Corporation

This chapter examines experiences of conflict within the committees of management in multi-owned property. Drawing on qualitative research in Victoria, Australia, the chapter highlights that many of the committee members interviewed lacked awareness of their responsibilities regarding conflict. Issues such as personality clashes, the expense and complexity of litigation, and the time taken in dealing with disputes were common areas of concern. The interview data reveals that committee members are keen to receive assistance with conflict engagement in order to enable them to address these issues effectively. We therefore argue that more effort is required by legislators to adequately educate and guide committee members to deal with conflict in the manner that is required.