Conflict: causes, dynamics, and resolution strategies

Conflict

Based on the results of the Conflict Style Survey I have undertaken, my conflict style is 'compete.' It is represented by color blue. From quite an early age, through to college, I have always strived to be the best. Many of my friends have in the past claimed that I tend to be rather aggressive in seeking to attain that which I desire. Personally, I do not see any problem in standing up for myself and going for that which I really deserve. I believe that if someone does not stand up for themselves, no one else will. In disagreements, I feel that if the position I hold is founded on fact, there is no need to cede ground for any other party in the said disagreement. Sometimes, you can't just argue with facts. In the final analysis therefore, I have no problem with my style of competing.

In my opinion, I do not think that there is one best way to resolving a conflict. However, I am persuaded that my style of competing has some particularly strong aspects that could come in handy in conflict resolution. To begin with, I am of the opinion that competing is of great relevance in those instances where there is a need to implement a specific decision or where urgent action is needed. In such circumstances, seeking to persuade others to join a position could lead to significant time wastage. It is also important to note that in some other instances, compromising an outcome could be disastrous. This is more so the case in those instances where the opinions or views of others are significantly or severally compromised. For instance, in emergencies, where the relevance of safety cannot be overstated, attempting to accommodate faulty views could be disastrous. Avoiding conflict in this case is also largely inappropriate. In some other instances however, competing could have some unintended outcomes or consequences. For instance, I have learnt firsthand that in an intimate relationship, this style of managing conflict could trigger or lead to retaliation and/or resentment, thus straining the relationship further. Competing may also leave some people feeling intimidated -- especially where compromise or collaboration fail to work.

Part 2

It is important to note that I do not always make use of the conflict style I have indicated above. The claim that we continuously or routinely vary our conflict styles is therefore true. In that regard, therefore, the way I handle conflict when the same is between my colleagues and I is substantively different from the way I handle disagreements with my mother.