chapter 2 the nature of conflict. how do you view conflict as a battle to be won? as a problem to...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 2
The Nature of Conflict
How do you view conflict As a battle to be won? As a problem to be solved? As a danger? As an opportunity?
Your view of conflict determines, to a large extent,whether or not a creative solution will be found.
Conflict Defined Contemporary definitions focus on interdependence
instead of unalterable opposition. Expamples include: “A situation in which interdependent people express differences
in satisfying their individual needs and interests, and they experience interference from each other in accomplishing these goals” (Donohue & Kolt, 1992)
“Conflict arises when a difference between two or more people necessitates change in at least one person in order for their engagement to continue and develop. The differences cannot coexist without some adjustment.” (Jordan, 1990)
A simple, useful 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.
Transforming a conflict depends on perceptual or conceptual change in one or more of the parties. Perception is at the core of all conflict analysis. You must sort out what is actually happening from the
perception of what is happening
Continuums of Conflict Management
Continuua from least adjudicative to most adjudicative have been developed by a variety of students of conflict
Least adjudicative: Private decision-making by the parties: Conflict avoidance Informal discussion and problem-solving Negotiation Mediation
Next on Continuum: Private, third-party decision-making
Administrative Arbitration decision
(Note that as you move along the continuum, the likelihood of a win-lose outcome increases)
Next Level: Public, Legal, authoritative third-party decision-making
Judicial, Legislative decision-making
Extralegal coerced decision-making
Nonviolent/Violent Direct action
Elements of Conflict
The elements must be examined carefully if conflict is to be clarified enough to “re-solve”An expressed struggle InterdependencePerceived Incompatible GoalsPerceived scarce resources Interference
An Expressed Struggle Communication is the central element in all interpersonal
conflict: Communication behavior often creates conflict Communication behavior reflects conflict Communication is the vehicle for the productive or destructive
management of conflict
Intrapersonal perceptions are the foundation for conflict, but only when conflicts are communicated in some way does an “interpersonal conflict” emerge
Interdependence A person who has no special interest in what another does
has no conflict with that other person. In all conflicts, therefore, interdependence carries
elements of cooperation and elements of competition. Parties decide the extent to which they will operate in an
interdependent or independent way “We are in this together” versus “Doing my own thing”
Parties must decide how much they are willing to allow the other party or parties to influence their choices
Real relationships have natural rhythms
Perceived Incompatible Goals People fight over needs, but often not the ones
they SAY they are fighting over Making the real goals clear, and clarifying the
value to each party in helping meet one another’s needs can help move people forward with their relationships
Whether or not the goals are really incompatible, the perception that they are is central to all conflict
Perceived Scarce Resources
Resources are defined as “any positively perceived physical, economic, or social consequence.”A resource can be anything perceived as valuable and
limited– from affection to money to statusSome resources are truly limited and others more
limitless, but it is the perception of the resource and how it is distributed that is important to understand in conflict situations (e.g. Power and Self Esteem)
Interference
If the presence of another person interferes with desired actions, conflict intensifies
Parents vs. teenagers – these conflicts often involve this element
Destructive Conflict: Individual Communication
Conflict can be constructive or destructive depending on the context and the communication behaviors exhibited
Gottman (1999) refers to four communication practices that predict the end of a relationship unless something is done to turn things around
The Four Horses of the Apolcalypse
Critical Start-up sets the tone for any conflict Defensiveness characterizes destructive conflict Stonewalling occurs when one person withdraws
from the interaction Contempt contributes to destructive conflict
Exercise: Defusing Critical Start-Up
Changing “criticisms” to “complaintsLet’s think of some critical statements we have
experienced from othersSmall Group activity: Choose two critical statements
within your group and reframe them into legitimate complaints
Destructive Conflict Spirals:Characterized by:
Avoidance patterns that reduce the chance for productive conflict
Attack/withdraw or Pursue/Flee pattern Poorly expressed strong emotion Reciprocity of negative emotion Retaliation Inflexibility or rigidity A competitive system of dominance and subordination Demeaning verbal and nonverbal communication such as
ridicule and contempt
Constructive Conflict
The purpose of this course is to help you learn to create (and help others create) constructive, healthy conflict
Analysis of Elements of Healthy Conflict
The parties express the elements of their struggle clearly Perceptions of interdependence are “checked out” and
verified Goals that are perceived as incompatible are disclosed to
ensure that there really is a conflict If resources are scarce, alternatives like sharing or use of
other resources are explored The perception that parties are blocking or interfering with
another’s goals is examined