Guide to Understanding Conflict Management Styles
Conflict Management Styles is an important concept when dealing with all kinds of interpersonal relationships including professional ones. It is the way in which individuals or groups handle conflicts, ranging from completely avoiding the issue to aggressively tackling it head-on.
Why it is important: Proficiently managing conflict can result in more effective communication, increased understanding, and stronger relationships. Conflict does not always have to be destructive and can even be driving constructive change.
What it is: There are five basic conflict management styles: Avoidance, Accommodation, Competition, Compromise, and Collaboration. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the appropriate style to employ highly depends on the situation.
How it works: The right style can yield a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. For example, a collaborative style fosters an environment where everyone is encouraged to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Conflict Management Styles:
- Make sure to be well-versed with the definition and characteristics of each style.
- Understand in what situations a particular style might be most successful.
- Real-world examples can go a long way in exhibiting understanding so study and memorize some key examples of each style.
- Keep in mind that no style is superior to another; what matters is selecting the right style given the situation.
- Practice writing short essays on this topic as many exams involve essay questions where in-depth conceptual understanding is tested.