Conflict Resolution Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic is associated with a dogmatic individual?

Desire to solve problems

Need to win arguments (correct)

Willingness to compromise

Provisional attitudes

How does a person reduce the defensiveness of a listener during communication?

By ignoring the listener's concerns

By avoiding conflict entirely

By expressing a willingness to experiment (correct)

By asserting their position strongly

According to Hocker and Wilmot's definition, what must be true for conflict to exist?

It must occur between dependent individuals

It must be communicated openly (correct)

It must involve multiple parties

It must lead to a compromise

What is a necessary condition for the existence of conflict according to the definition presented?

Parties must be interdependent Signup and view all the answers

What positive outcome can moderate conflict stimulate?

Enhanced innovation and change Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of conflict according to Coser's perspective?

It aids in the resolution of tension Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to the emergence of conflict between two parties?

Having incompatible wants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the nature of conflict?

Conflict can facilitate personal and group growth Signup and view all the answers

What can neutralize evaluativeness in a message?

The listener perceiving the speaker as an equal Signup and view all the answers

What generally makes it difficult for speakers to frame nonjudgmental expressions?

The evaluative nature of attitudes towards others Signup and view all the answers

What often predisposes individuals to react defensively, according to the given content?

Chronic assumptions of guilt Signup and view all the answers

Which type of speech is described as producing the least amount of defensiveness?

Descriptive speech Signup and view all the answers

How do insecure group members typically react to others’ behaviors according to the content?

They often see others as fitting into categories of good or bad. Signup and view all the answers

Control-oriented speech typically results in which of the following?

Resistance from the listener Signup and view all the answers

What is one difficulty presented in training professionals to use nonjudgmental inquiries?

Framing even simple questions without implications of accusation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction of listeners when they perceive superiority in the communicator?

They become defensive and may not hear the message. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does expressive speech with value loadings have on listeners?

It causes defensiveness in the listener. Signup and view all the answers

What does the combination of understanding and empathizing achieve in communication?

It provides high-level support without attempting to change the receiver. Signup and view all the answers

How can gestural behavior cues impact the perception of empathy?

They can serve as evidence of deep-level acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

What can excessive certainty in communication lead to?

Listeners feeling guarded and inferior. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is likely to reduce defensiveness in communication?

Engaging in participative planning with respect. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of high-level support in communication?

Validating the receiver's feelings without trying to change them. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the perception of superiority have on problem-solving relationships?

It minimizes the perceived need for the receiver's input. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion might a listener experience as a result of dogmatism in communication?

Feelings of inadequacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of group decision-making?

Social loafing Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is individual decision-making preferred?

In case of a time emergency Signup and view all the answers

What common issue may arise from favorable treatment of certain ideas within a group?

Groupthink Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition are groups likely to generate more ideas?

When a preferred solution is known Signup and view all the answers

What might happen when group leaders decide unilaterally under time pressure?

Sacrifices accuracy for speed Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT typically impact the effectiveness of group decision-making?

Individual expertise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes process losses in group decision-making?

Time-consuming nature Signup and view all the answers

When may group decision-making be less effective?

When immediate action is required Signup and view all the answers

What is self-censorship in a group setting?

Minimizing one's own doubts and counterarguments Signup and view all the answers

What is an illusion of unanimity in group dynamics?

A perception that all members agree due to lack of dissent Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the likelihood of groupthink in a group?

Being a large and cohesive group Signup and view all the answers

What should group members do to understand consensus better?

Become comfortable with the definition of consensus. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a devil's advocate play in a group?

To challenge group decisions and assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What should group leaders do to prevent groupthink?

Create an anonymous channel for feedback Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline emphasizes the importance of including all voices in the group?

Solicit participation from every member. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended strategy to avoid groupthink?

Regularly invite outside experts to meetings Signup and view all the answers

Why is listening honestly and openly to each member's viewpoints important?

It aids in gathering valuable information. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of voting mentioned in relation to consensus?

Voting can create win/lose outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior should individuals avoid to minimize groupthink?

Applying pressure to conform Signup and view all the answers

What does consensus aim to do in contrast to traditional decision-making?

Ensure every member has a stake in the decision. Signup and view all the answers

How can groups ensure they critically evaluate their decisions?

Debate ethical implications of decisions Signup and view all the answers

How should a group handle stalled or contentious discussions?

Encourage varied viewpoints to be shared. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for members when reaching consensus?

Having a willingness to suspend judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common barrier to achieving consensus among group members?

Emotional reactions and preconceived judgments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Cohesion and Climate

Cohesion refers to the sticking together of group members, impacting the overall group interaction.
Group climate is the enduring tone and quality of interaction, felt similarly by members.
Two types of cohesion exist: task and social.
Task cohesion is the commitment to group purpose and activities.
Social cohesion is the attraction and liking among group members.
Ideally, groups balance task and social cohesion based on their purpose.

Cohesion Benefits

Groups with appropriate cohesion easily set goals and exhibit commitment to their purpose.
They're highly productive and experience fewer attendance issues.
Members stick with the group during difficulties.
Members are satisfied, identifying with and defending the group.
Members listen and provide support and constructive criticism.
Groups experience less anger and tension.

Positive Group Climate

Participation: Members feel included in discussions and the group's functioning.
Messages: Confirming messages build relationships; clear, organized messages build task dimensions.
Feedback: Positive, constructive, and relevant feedback enhance the group climate.
Equity: Members want equal participation and turn-taking.
Roles: Knowing and accepting status and hierarchy within the group leads to satisfaction.
Motivation: A perceived connection to and relevance in the group's goals motivates members.

Symbolic Convergence

Symbolic convergence is a sense of community or group consciousness created through non-task-related communication (stories, jokes).
Group fantasies are verbalized references to events outside the immediate group context (past, future, external people/events).
Sharing group fantasies creates symbolic convergence, strengthening social bonds.

Defensive and Supportive Climates

Defensive communication occurs when individuals perceive threat or anticipate threat.
Defensive communicators focus on self-preservation, appearance, and winning.
Defensive behavior triggers defensiveness in others, creating a destructive cycle.
Defensive communication lowers mental focus and accuracy.
Supportive climates reduce defensiveness.

Defensive Communication Categories (Jack Gibb, 1961)

Evaluation vs. Description: Judgmental speech increases defensiveness; descriptive speech minimizes uneasiness.
Control vs. Problem Orientation: Controlling speech evokes resistance; problem-oriented speech focuses on shared solutions.
Strategy vs. Spontaneity: Perceived strategizing increases defensiveness; spontaneity reduces defensiveness.
Neutrality vs. Empathy: Lack of concern for another's feelings is defensive; empathy reduces defensiveness.
Superiority vs. Equality: Superiority arouses defensiveness; equality reduces it.
Certainty vs. Provisionalism: Dogmatic statements increase defensiveness; provisional statements reduce defensiveness.

Conflict Definitions

Conflict is an expressed struggle between interdependent parties over incompatible goals or insufficient resources.
Conflict must be expressed to exist.
Conflict occurs between interdependent, or mutually reliant, parties.
Conflict involves disagreement over goals or means to attain them.

Positive and Negative Sides of Conflict

Moderate conflict can be helpful, stimulating innovation and change, allowing growth and identity development.
Excessive conflict can be detrimental, diverting energy from performance and causing stress and psychophysical consequences.
Consistent conflict affects the social climate and inhibits group cohesion.
Appropriate conflict management is required.

Types of Conflict

Substance Conflicts (Intrinsic Conflicts): Differing views on facts or choices in a situation. (e.g., annotated bibliography vs. simple reading list.)
Value Conflicts: Differing or ranked values differently. (e.g., different rankings of freedom and equality in various political systems.)
Process Conflicts (Task Conflicts): Disagreement over how to achieve goals or pursue values. (e.g., strict timelines vs. brainstorming)
Misperceived Difference Conflicts: Misinterpreting each other's actions or emotions.

Conflict Process Model (Thomas, 1976)

Frustration: Feeling blocked in pursuing goals.
Conceptualization: Understanding the conflict and respective desired solutions.
Behavior: Implementing a resolution mode (e.g., competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, accommodating).
Outcome: Evaluating the satisfaction with the resolution.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to conflict and communication as outlined by Hocker and Wilmot. Answer questions about characteristics of dogmatic individuals, the nature of conflict, and strategies for reducing defensiveness in communication. Enhance your understanding of the complexities and positive outcomes of conflict.