Relational Influences: Conflict Flashcards
Conflict
Disagreement that occurs when there is a perception that two parties have incompatible goals, ideas or behaviours, resulting in tension
Mirror Image Perceptions
The reciprocal (and distorted) views of one another often held by parties in conflict
Three Solutions to Resolve Conflict
- Imposed
- Distributive
- Integrative
Integrative Solution (win-win)
The solution involves understanding both parties motives, values or goals to determine how both parties can best benefit
Disadvantages of Integrative Solution
Requires questioning and communication between parties, so it takes longer
Imposed Solution (lose-win)
Dictated solutions by either the stronger side or a third party
Disadvantages of Imposed Solution
- Neither or only one party may get what they want
- Parties do not have control over the decision
- Parties don’t develop skills to resolve conflict
Distributive Solution (lose-lose)
Involves a compromise so both parties get something from the conflict, but neither are completely satisfied with the outcome
Disadvantages of Distributive Solution
- Neither party is completely satisfied
- There is reduced communication
Empiricle Evidence for Solutions: Follett (1940)
- Sisters fought over orange
- Resulted in distributive solution
- Could have been integrative if communication was used
Techniques for Resolving Conflict
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Negotiation
- Counselling
Negotiation
The process by which parties that have some shared interests and some opposed interests strive to reach an agreement
Advantages of Negotiation
- Cheaper, as there is no third party
- Maintains privacy
- Parties are more likely to adhere to the solution
Disadvantages of Negotiation
- Power differential leads to win-lose
- Slower
- Parties must put aside emotional bias
Counselling
Counsellor works with one or both parties to give them the skills to solve the conflict and any future conflicts
Advantages of Counselling
- Gives parties the skills to resolve future conflicts
- Rebuilds relationships
- Promotes active listening
Disadvantages of Counselling
- Costly
- Takes time
- May be difficult to find suitable counsellor
Mediation
The process by which a third party helps two parties in conflict to reach a voluntary agreement
Advantages of Mediation
- Mediators arrange times, venues and agenda’s to prevent further conflict
- Maintains or improves relationships
- Less likely for conflict to go unresolved
Disadvantages of Mediation
- Expensive, as mediators are often ex-judges or lawyers
Arbitrators
- A third party imposes a solution after listening to the conflicting parties present their cases
Advantages of Arbitration
- Parties don’t have to interact if hostile
- Results in an impartial decision
Disadvantages of Arbitration
- One party loses, so conflict may reoccur
- Withheld information can lead to a wrong decision
