Managing Conflict Within Show Society Committees
Conflict can arise in any committee. Different views, strong personalities, and passionate volunteers are common within Agricultural Shows. In many cases, respectful disagreement can be healthy and lead to better decisions.
However, when conflict becomes personal, ongoing, or disruptive, it can damage morale, delay decisions, discourage volunteers and affect the reputation and operation of a Show Society.
The key is not to avoid all conflict — but to manage it early, fairly, and constructively.
Healthy Conflict vs Damaging Conflict
Healthy Conflict
Healthy conflict may include:
- Respectful debate about ideas
- Different opinions being openly discussed
- Members challenging proposals constructively
- Better decisions through discussion
- Stronger ownership of outcomes
Damaging Conflict
Conflict becomes harmful when it leads to:
- Personal attacks or hostility
- Ongoing factions within the committee
- Poor meeting behaviour
- Volunteers resigning or withdrawing
- Decisions being blocked or delayed
- Public disputes damaging reputation
- Stress and low morale
Reducing the Risk of Conflict
Show Societies can reduce conflict by focusing on good governance and clear expectations.
1. Clarify Roles
Ensure committee members understand:
- Office bearer responsibilities
- Delegated authority
- Staff and volunteer roles
- Who makes decisions
- Boundaries between operational and governance matters
2. Induct New Committee Members
Every new committee member should receive:
- Constitution or rules
- Recent meeting minutes
- Financial overview
- Committee structure
- Key policies
- Role expectations
- Code of conduct
3. Keep Focus on the Show
Committee members should act in the best interests of the Show Society rather than personal agendas or past disagreements.
4. Adopt a Code of Conduct
A clear code of conduct helps set standards around:
- Respectful behaviour
- Confidentiality
- Attendance
- Conflicts of interest
- Collective responsibility
- Social media behaviour
5. Support Strong Chairing
A capable Chair plays a major role in managing conflict by:
- Keeping meetings orderly
- Encouraging balanced discussion
- Preventing domination
- Managing behaviour respectfully
- Keeping focus on agenda items
- Guiding decisions
Tips for Handling Conflict Early
If tensions are developing:
- Address issues early
- Speak privately where appropriate
- Focus on behaviour, not personalities
- Use facts, not emotion
- Follow procedure
- Keep records where necessary
- Seek mediation or external help if required
- Put the organisation first
Running Better Meetings
Many disputes start in poorly run meetings.
Good meetings include:
- Clear agendas circulated early
- Papers sent beforehand
- Timeframes for discussion
- Declared conflicts of interest
- Respectful debate
- Clear motions and decisions
- Accurate minutes
- Action items assigned
Committee Members Also Have Responsibilities
Every committee member should:
- Prepare for meetings
- Read papers in advance
- Attend regularly
- Listen respectfully
- Ask questions constructively
- Support final decisions once made
- Act in the Society’s best interests
When Conflict Becomes Serious
If conflict becomes entrenched, personal, threatening, defamatory or disruptive, the committee may need to:
- Seek independent mediation
- Obtain governance advice
- Review constitution/rules
- Use formal dispute resolution procedures
- Obtain legal advice if necessary
Final Reminder
Agricultural Shows are powered by volunteers who care deeply about their communities. Strong views are natural. Respectful governance, clear processes, and good leadership help ensure energy is directed toward a successful Show — not internal conflict.
Need Assistance?
AgShows NSW members seeking governance support should contact the office for guidance and referral options.