Discuss when and how to use each style of conflict resolution, and give examples.
What will be an ideal response?
Student examples will vary but should demonstrate an understanding of how best to use each style of conflict resolution.
A sample answer follows. An accommodating style of conflict resolution should be used if you arrive at the conclusion that your choice or solution is wrong or that an alternative is better, when you want to show that you are reasonable and/or to build up credit with others, when others care substantially more about the outcome than you do and the ongoing relationship is important, or if you are going to lose and want to preserve your dignity.
A competing style of conflict resolution should be used when a quick decision is really important; when you believe you are right, other solutions are wrong, and there is no middle-ground; or when someone will try to leverage your unwillingness to compete against you.
An avoiding style of conflict resolution is best used if the issue is not as important as others from a timing perspective, when there is no acceptable alternative and you can't win, when arriving at a solution will cause more strife than a solution is worth, when people's emotions are running high and backing off might help to come up with a resolution, or if acquiring more information would help to arrive at a better solution.
A collaborative style of conflict resolution should be used when both parties have legitimate concerns and compromise won't solve the problem, when different perspectives or learning might help arrive at a better alternative, or to build commitment by working together toward a consensus decision.
A compromise style of conflict resolution should be used when a strong approach isn't worth the damage it might cause, if both parties are committed to their choices and they are equally powerful, if arriving at an interim solution allows you to examine a complicated issue more fully, when time pressure doesn't allow for a protracted resolution, or when other approaches haven't worked.
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