CONFLICT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Conflict
A conflict refers to a disagreement or argument that exists between individuals due to opposing
facts, beliefs, ideas and values. Conflict is inevitable but the results of the conflict are not
predetermined. Conflicts can be positively or negatively resolved.

Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is the process by which people engaged in a disagreement try to find a
solution for the conflict. Ideally conflict resolution is collaborative problem solving , a
cooperative talking-together process that leads to choosing a plan of action that can be beneficial
to both parties.

Conflict Styles
Competing ( forcing win-lose)
Accommodating (smoothing win-win)
Avoiding ( withdrawal lose-lose)
Compromising (sharing lose-lose)
Collaborating ( problem solving win-win)

Competing

Competing is a style in which ones needs are favoured over the needs of others. It relies
on an aggressive style in communicating; low regard for relationships and low level of
trust .Those using a competitive style in a conflict tend to act in a very assertive way so
that their goals can be achieved. There is lack of cooperation with the other party. The
competing style is appropriate in emergencies.

Accommodating

Accommodating also known as smoothing is the opposite of the competing style. Ones
needs are yielded to the needs of others and there is an effort in preserving the
relationship .This conflict style can tend to be at expense because they tend to allow
others needs to overwhelm their own, but also used in preserving future relations with
others.
 Avoiding

This is when you ignore/avoid the conflict in hope that the conflict would go away. This
is when you simply avoid the issue. The dynamic in this style entails that you are not
helping the other party reach their goal and you are not assertively pursuing your own, no
ones needs are being met. This is effective when the issue is trivial or when you have no
chance of winning.

Compromising

The compromising style is where individuals partake in series of tradeoffs most of the
times it is satisfactory but not satisfying .This is where both individuals achieves want
they want. This requires a moderate level of assertiveness and cooperation. A temporary
solution or a state in which both sides have equally important goals is established and
worked towards.

Collaborating

The collaborating style is where both parties pair up with each other and cooperate to
achieve both of these goals. This style requires a high degree of trust and time in order to
reach a beneficial agreement that satisfies all parties.

Steps for Conflict Resolution

1. Set a time and place to discuss the issue in which all individuals that are in conflict are
involved.
2. Establish rules of the discussion.
3. Define the problem that terms of needs, each party must be given the opportunity to
define needs in terms so that others can understand.
4. Discuss how both parties can contribute to solving the problem.
5. Develop possible solutions to resolve the problem.
6. Select a mutual unbiased solution that would be most suitable for both parties.
7. Develop and action plan.
8. Implement the plan.
9. Discuss the progress.
 IMPACT
As stated above conflict is an inevitable occurrence and have knowing of this topic proves to
have a positive impact in that not only we know the forms in which a conflict can come about
but also methods to reduce and resolve the conflict. Knowledge of this topic is also beneficial
to me as it relates to my context which is a student within a university, which consist of
persons with different beliefs and values. Some ways in which this topic has positively
impacted me is in that:

Help Create Stronger Relationships

Poorly managed conflict often causes friction between the involved individuals and can lead
to destroying relationships if not handled properly. Within the context of being a student at
this university, by learning how to resolve conflicts in a professional, respectful manner, my
classmates/co workers are often able to strengthen their relationships. This skill helps in
enabling coworkers to work well together because the parties involved know how to navigate
the disagreement. Instead of fighting, insulting or ignoring one another, the colleagues learn
how to better collaborate, which can help build their relationships.
Reduced Tension
Conflict can cause tension between classmates if they don't know how to handle the situation.
A disagreement that stays unresolved causes that tension to build and often spreads to other
employees who weren't originally involved. If both parties feel they are right and refuse to
listen to one another, they may pit themselves against one another, dragging in other
employees to choose sides. Tension due to unresolved conflict lowers morale in the
workplace and can stall the work flow. By training your employees how to handle conflict on
their own, the overall tension decreases for a better working environment.
Increased Understanding
Conflict resolution skills allow people to move beyond their own emotions and opinions to
make objective decisions. By teaching these skills in the workplace, you encourage a deeper
understanding of situations that arise and the other people in the office. Employees learn how
their colleagues feel and think, as well as how to interact with them. The parties involved
also take a more thorough look at the situation and consider other possible solutions. This can
lead to learning on the specific work topic.
REFLECTIVE PIECE (ILLUSTRATION)