What term describes conflict over the content and structure of a project being prepared?

The correct term that describes conflict over the content and structure of a project being prepared is substantive conflict. This type of conflict arises when team members have different opinions on the ideas, materials, or methodologies being used in a project. In essence, substantive conflict is focused on the "substance" of the work—namely the actual content and how it is organized—rather than interpersonal dynamics or the way tasks are completed.

In technical communication, understanding and addressing substantive conflict is crucial because it often leads to constructive discussions that can improve the overall quality of the project. Team members might have valid points that contribute to refining the content, ensuring accuracy, enhancing clarity, or improving the usability of the project outputs. Engaging with substantive conflict allows teams to explore different perspectives and arrive at solutions that are better aligned with the project goals.

Other terms like procedural conflict and process conflict focus on disagreements regarding processes or the implementation of tasks, while affective conflict usually relates to emotional disagreements among team members. By clearly identifying conflicts as substantive, teams can better address the specific challenges they face in project development.