Chapter 1

The Nature of Conflict

Alexander Yaroslavsky
 What is Conflict?

Define Conflict

Explore underlying assumptions

Discuss Conflict Escalation

and De-escalation

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 Exercise

Spend 5 minutes to come up with a definition of “conflict.” Then work with

your group to compare and refine your answer.

Suppose a Martian landed on Earth and wanted to know about conflict.

• What is conflict?

• Is conflict good, bad or neutral (or something else)?

How would you respond to these questions?

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 Textbook Definition

Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two

interdependent parties who perceive incompatible
goals, scarce resources, and interference from others
in achieving their goals.

- Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

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 Role of Perception

Perception is at the core of all

conflict analysis

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Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties
who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
others in achieving their goals.

- Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Expressed Struggle

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Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties
who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
others in achieving their goals.

- Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Interdependent Parties

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Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties
who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
others in achieving their goals.

- Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Incompatible Goals

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Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties
who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
others in achieving their goals.

- Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Scarce Resources

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Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties
who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
others in achieving their goals.

- Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Interference

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 Examples

Expressed Struggle: Republicans and Union and Management oppose each other
Democrats oppose each other

Interdependent Parties: Congress and Management needs workers; union needs

the President need each other employer

Incompatible Goals: Beating the other More profits or more benefits?

party in elections

Scarce Resources: Fixed number of seats: $$$ Money $$$

435 House; 100 Senate

Interference: By making a deal, the Striking hurts Management; Workers don’t

Republican agenda is threatened get a pay check
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 Exercise

1. Arrange your seats in a traditional lecture style

2. Crumple a piece of paper into a ball 1” across

3. From your seat, aim at a pre-defined, stationary target

4. Can you hit the target in front of the room?

Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/nathanwpyle/this-teacher-taught-his-class-a-powerful-lesson-about-privil#.jgMvMYA5A

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Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

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 Explain Your Perspective: “I” statements

I feel/felt ___ “I felt angry …

…when I was interrupted …

When ___

Because ___
…because I didn’t get
a chance to talk”

What I really want is ___ What I really want is to

participate in the
discussion

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 Exercise: Emotional Intelligence

Form into small groups. Study the list below and discuss which
categories are your strengths, and which are your challenges.

Consider the people in your life who model good emotional intelligence.
How do they act to be considered role models by you?

Self Awareness Social Awareness

• Emotional self-awareness • Empathy
• Accurate self-assessment • Organizational awareness
• Self-confidence • Service orientation

Social Skills
Self Management • Developing Others
• Self-control • Leadership
• Trustworthiness • Influence
• Conscientiousness • Communication
• Adaptability • Change-catalyst
• Achievement-orientation • Conflict Management
• Initiative • Building bonds
• Teamwork and collaboration

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 Chapter 1
The Nature of Conflict

Questions?