Questions and Answers
What is interpersonal conflict?
Occurs when people are interdependent, mutually aware of incompatible goals, and see each other as interfering with achieving goals.
Which of the following are myths about interpersonal conflict? (Select all that apply)
What are some common issues that lead to interpersonal conflict? (Select all that apply)
Conflict is inevitable in relationships.
Signup and view all the answers
What are the potential effects of conflict?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the conflict styles with their consequences:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic of high context conflict?
Signup and view all the answers
In conflict management stages, the first step is to ______.
Signup and view all the answers
What does it mean to define the conflict?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do during the 'Test the Solution' stage?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factors influence your choice of conflict strategy? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Interpersonal Conflict
- Defined as a situation where individuals are interdependent, aware of incompatible goals, and perceive each other as hindrances to achieving those goals.
Myths About Interpersonal Conflict
- Often believed to be best avoided, indicating issues in relationships.
- Thought to damage relationships and reveal negative traits.
- Misconception that conflicts have definitive winners and losers.
Common Issues in Interpersonal Conflict
- Intimacy concerns, power dynamics, personal flaws, and distances lead to conflict.
- Social factors and distrust are also significant contributors.
Principles of Interpersonal Conflict
- Conflict is unavoidable in relationships.
- Can lead to both negative outcomes (bad feelings, social withdrawal) and positive ones (problem resolution, reinforced relationships, commitment demonstration).
Effects of Conflict
- Negative: fosters bad feelings, emotional withdrawal, increased costs to relationships.
- Positive: resolves underlying issues, enhances relationship quality, signals commitment.
Nature of Conflicts
- Focus may be on content (specific issues) or relational aspects (equity and power dynamics).
- Relational tensions often disguise themselves as content conflicts.
Conflict Styles and Consequences
- Competing: I win, you lose.
- Avoiding: I lose, you lose.
- Accommodating: I lose, you win.
- Collaborating: I win, you win.
- Compromising: both parties win and lose simultaneously.
Cultural Influences on Conflict
- High-context cultures focus on group norms and collective conflicts.
- Low-context cultures emphasize personal norms and individual disputes.
- Different cultures affect conflict strategies and organizational norms.
Stages of Conflict Management
- Set the Stage: Ensure a private, prepared environment for conflict resolution.
- Define the Conflict: Clarify content and relationship issues specifically, focusing on the present.
- Examine Possible Solutions: Brainstorm potential resolutions.
- Test the Solution: Implement solutions on a trial basis.
- Evaluate the Solution: Assess solutions using various perspectives (fact, emotion, pros/cons).
- Accept or Reject the Solution: Decide to move forward with or discard the proposed solution.
- Wrap it Up: Conclude the discussion and follow up on outcomes.
Factors Influencing Strategy Choices
- Goals: What do you want to achieve?
- Emotional state: Individuals' feelings impact conflict approach.
- Cognitive assessment: Perceptions of fairness and blame play roles.
- Personality: Individual traits and communication skills affect strategy.
- Family history: Past experiences influence current conflict behavior.
Conflict Strategies Overview
- Win-lose: Focus on defeating the other party.
- Win-win: Aim for mutual gain.
Avoidance and Active Conflict Strategies
- Avoidance: Various forms (physical, emotional) including non-negotiation tactics.
- Force strategies: Physically or emotionally impose a position on another.
- Talk strategies: Active listening, expressing support and articulating perspectives.
Face-attacking and Enhancing Strategies
- Face-attacking: Criticism and demands undermine relationships.
- Face-enhancing: Providing support and affirmation strengthens bonds.
Verbal Aggressiveness vs. Argumentative Strategies
- Verbal aggressiveness is unproductive and discomforting.
- Argumentativeness is constructive; it involves presenting viewpoints respectfully and objectively.
Cultivating Argumentative Strategies
- Aim for objectivity and encourage the other's competence.
- Avoid interrupting and manage emotional responses.
- Allow the other person to maintain dignity and save face.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the definition, myths, common issues, and principles surrounding interpersonal conflict. Gain insights into how conflicts can impact relationships negatively and positively. Test your understanding of the dynamics involved in interpersonal conflicts.
