Conflict Resolution Styles Quiz: Handling Interpersonal Conflicts

Study Notes

Interpersonal Conflict Handling Styles

Problem-solving: win/win orientation, tries to find a mutually beneficial solution
Forcing: win/lose orientation, tries to win the conflict at the other's expense
Avoiding: tries to smooth over or evade conflict situations
Yielding: lose/win, giving in completely to the other side's wishes
Dead-end: Lose/lose situation, both parties leave the negotiation feeling worse off

Conflict-Handling Styles Contingencies

Problem-solving:
- Preferred style when interests are not perfectly opposing
- Parties have trust/openness and time to share information
- Issues are complex
Forcing:
- Preferred style when quick resolution is required
- Your position has a stronger logical or moral foundation
- Other party would take advantage of cooperation
Avoiding:
- Preferred style when conflict has become emotionally-charged
- Parties want to maintain harmony
- Cost of resolving the conflict outweighs its benefits
Yielding:
- Preferred style when issue is much less important to you than to the other party
- Value or logic of your position is imperfect or unclear
- Parties want to maintain harmony
Compromising:
- Preferred style when there is single-issue conflict with opposing interests
- Parties lack time or trust for problem-solving
- Parties want to maintain harmony
- Parties have equal power

Cultural and Gender Differences in Conflict-Handling Styles

Preferred conflict-handling preferences vary across cultures
Men tend to use the forcing style more than women do
Women tend to use slightly more problem-solving, compromising, and yielding

Structural Approaches to Conflict Management

Emphasize primary goals
Reduce differences that generate conflict
Create common experiences
Build and maintain a strong organizational culture
Improve communication and understanding
Reduce interdependence
Increase resources
Manage relationships

Negotiation Strategies

Location: negotiate on your turf or in a neutral territory
Physical setting: consider physical distance and setting formality
Audience characteristics: observers can affect negotiation outcomes
Manage relationships: build trust, show awareness of shared negotiation norms, and expectations

Description

Test your understanding of different conflict handling styles, including problem-solving, forcing, avoiding, and more. Learn how to navigate conflicts effectively and find mutually beneficial solutions.