Chapter 2 - Perspectives on Conflict

Positive Views of Conflict

(No pertaining order) 1. Conflict is inevitable; therefore, the constructive way to approach a conflict is as "a fact of life." 2. Conflict serves the function of "bringing problems to the table." 3. Conflict often helps people join together and clarify their goals 4. Conflict can clear out resentments and help people understand each other

Avoidant Systems

Members avoid conflict - Conflict doesn't exist, and if it does, don't recognize it - If there is a conflict, figure out what do about it on your own - Don't tell anyone else if there is a struggle - Walk away if something starts to brew - Don't ever raise your voice - If someone has a concern, don't respond to it

Lens Model of Conflict

Lens Model specifies that each person views (1) oneself, (2) the other person, and (3) the relationship

Gender filters - Women

Women will choose responses based on interpersonal obligations. As a result of their focus on relationships, females in conflict seem to exhibit fewer self-presentational actions.

Collectivistic Cultures

Asian Americans and others often follow the relational-process model. How? They see themselves as interdependent of a system and may adopt win-win approach to conflict.

Dispositional approach

Conflict depends on personality traits (e.g. introvert vs. extrovert)

Transformative metaphors

Conflict is a bargaining table, a dance, a garden, a quilt making, and concert.

Neutral Metaphor

Conflict is a game, an adventure, and a rock climbing etc.

Negative Metaphors

Conflict is warlike, explosive, bullying, mess, and hopeless struggle etc.

Individualistic Cultures

Euro-Americans and others often follow outcome-oriented model. How? They see themselves as independent of a system and seek tangible result. They may adopt win-lose approach in conflict.

Negative Views of Conflict

Harmony is normal and conflict is abnormal Conflict constitutes a breakdown of communication Communication and disagreements are the same thing Conflict is a result of personal pathology Conflict should never be escalated Conflict interaction should be polite and orderly Anger is the only emotion in conflict negotiation A correct method for resolving differences can be prescribed

How attribution works?

If we want to make more accurate attributions and meaning of other's behavior, instance, if you find it difficult to express hostility , then when your new friend begins to rage at the cashier, you will have difficulty dealing with it.

Danger Methaphors

Impact that the outcome is predetermined with little possibility for productive conflict management.

Conflict is bullying

Implies an extreme power difference. The "winner takes all" in a bullying section.

Systems approach

Integrates both the above approaches to understand conflict.

Aggressive Systems

Members engage in a lot of overt yelling, calling of names, and similar aggressive moves - Survival of the fittest describes the general climate - Be brutally honest regardless of the impact - Show your emotions strongly even if that hurts someone - Establish your position early - Have an audience present when you engage someone - Don't back down - hold your ground no matter what - If someone attacks you have to fight back

Collaborative Systems

Members use cooperation and collaboration - Have meetings or mealtime chats to discuss issues - Use good listening skills when someone has a concern - Say openly what you are feeling - Help is offered in resolving children's or employees' conflicts - Regular interaction is important - Strong feelings are seen as normal and are allowed

Negative Views of Conflict

People commonly give the following responses: Destruction Anger Disagreement Hostility Anxiety War Tension Alienation Violence Competition Threat Heartache Pain Hopelessness Stress

Situational approach

Stresses situational factors such as conflict topic, and tangible resources to understand conflict.

Metaphor

Used to compare one thing to to another to create a kind of compact, vivid shorthand description of a complicated process.

Win-lose conflict

What one person wins, the other person, by necessity, loses. A scarce amount of resources is distributed unevenly.

Gender filters - Men

When feeling powerless, males tend to "state their position and offer logical reasons to support it." Men many use more independent criterion for managing conflict and women a more interdependent one. Men choose responses based on the offended person's rights.