Conflict management style

Conflict management style is a set of strategies and tactics used to effectively manage and resolve conflicts. It is based on a variety of approaches, including mediation, negotiation, collaboration, and problem-solving, to resolve disputes and promote cooperation. Conflict management style helps to identify the underlying causes of the conflict, clarify interests and concerns, find common ground and create solutions that are agreeable to all parties involved. It focuses on reaching a win-win outcome that is mutually beneficial, based on respect, trust and open communication.

Example of conflict management style

• Mediation: Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that is used to help parties reach a mutually beneficial resolution to a conflict. This style of conflict management focuses on communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. It involves a neutral third party (the mediator) who facilitates communication between the two sides and helps them identify common ground and potential solutions.
• Negotiation: Negotiation is a process of communication and problem-solving in which two or more parties attempt to reach an agreement. Through negotiation, parties can work together to find solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. This style of conflict management requires active listening, effective communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration: Collaboration is a process of working together to achieve a common goal. This style of conflict management involves both parties working together to find a solution to the issue. This process requires both parties to be open-minded and willing to compromise in order to reach an acceptable resolution.
• Problem-solving: Problem-solving is a process of identifying and resolving a problem. This style of conflict management involves both parties working together to analyze the problem, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate the pros and cons of each option. This process requires both parties to be open-minded and willing to work together to find an acceptable solution.

Formula for managing conflict

The formula for conflict management style can be divided into four steps:

1. Identify the conflict: The first step is to identify the conflict and understand the underlying issues. This includes understanding the different perspectives of the people involved, the context of the situation, and the interests of all parties.
2. Analyze the conflict: Once the conflict has been identified, the next step is to analyze the conflict and identify the core causes. This includes understanding the different interests of the parties, the power dynamics at play, and the potential conflict resolution strategies that could be employed.
3. Choose a resolution strategy: After analyzing the conflict, the parties can then select a resolution strategy. This includes choosing a method such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration to resolve the conflict.
4. Implement the resolution strategy: The final step is to implement the resolution strategy and ensure that it is successful. This includes creating a plan of action, monitoring progress, and ensuring that the parties are satisfied with the outcome.

Types of conflict management style

Conflict management styles include a variety of approaches that are used to effectively manage and resolve conflicts. These include:

• Competing – This style is characterized by a focus on winning, where competing interests are pursued vigorously and forcefully. This approach is often used when there is a clear winner and loser, and when the stakes are high.
• Accommodating – This style is characterized by a focus on compromise and cooperation, where one party takes an accommodating stance and is willing to give in to the wishes of another party. It is often used when there are competing interests and a high degree of mutual understanding between the parties.
• Avoiding – This style is characterized by a focus on avoiding conflict altogether, where one party withdraws from the conflict or simply ignores it. This approach is often used when there is a lack of trust, or when the stakes are low and the conflict is not seen as important.
• Collaborating – This style is characterized by a focus on problem-solving, where both parties work together to find a mutually beneficial solution. This approach is often used when there are complex issues and understanding the needs of all parties involved is necessary.
• Compromising – This style is characterized by a focus on finding middle ground, where both parties make concessions in order to reach an agreement. This approach is often used when there are competing interests and a limited amount of time to resolve the conflict.

Advantages of conflict management style

Conflict management style has many advantages, including:

• Improved communication: Conflict management style helps parties to effectively communicate their needs and interests, thus leading to improved understanding and cooperation.
• Reduced stress: Conflict management style helps to reduce stress, as it encourages parties to find solutions that are mutually beneficial and satisfactory.
• Enhanced problem-solving skills: Conflict management style helps parties to develop problem-solving skills, as it encourages them to think critically and find creative solutions to their disputes.
• Increased satisfaction: Conflict management style helps parties to reach a resolution that is acceptable to all involved, which can lead to increased satisfaction and improved relationships.
• Increased trust: Conflict management style helps parties to build trust between each other, which can lead to more successful collaborations in the future.

Limitations of conflict management style

Conflict management style can be a useful tool for managing conflicts, however, there are some limitations associated with its use. These include:

• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. It requires a great deal of effort and dedication to properly resolve disputes.
• It only works if all parties involved are willing to cooperate and work together. If one party is unwilling to participate or refuses to negotiate, then it is difficult to reach an agreement.
• Conflict management style is based on the assumption that all parties involved have the same goals and interests. If this is not the case, then it is difficult to reach a resolution.
• The outcomes of conflict management style are not always guaranteed. Even if a resolution is reached, it may not be satisfactory to all parties involved.
• Conflict management style requires skill and experience to successfully implement. It is not always possible to resolve conflicts without the help of a trained professional.

Conflict management style — recommended articles

Styles of handling conflict — Negotiation strategies — Conflict management process — Effects of conflict — Management by conflict — Accommodating conflict management style — Negotiation techniques — Leadership skills development — Role of the facilitator

References

• Korabik, K., Baril, G. L., & Watson, C. (1993). Managers' conflict management style and leadership effectiveness: The moderating effects of gender. Sex roles, 29, 405-420.