Conflict-Handling Style

Managing conflict and negotiation is the title of Chapter 13. Within this chapter different types of conflicts and ways to resolve these problems. On the diagram "Five Conflict-Handling Styles" which explains exactly that. The different categories include Integrating, dominating, avoiding, obliging and compromising is placed in the center of the other four. Dominating has a high concern for self. In this style the other party's needs are ignored, it can also be referred to as forcing style. This style is usually used when the decision is an unpopular one, the deadline is near or a crisis has taken place. Obliging or the smoothing style "involves playing down differences while emphasizing commonalities." This is usually used when there are benefits for both sides and encourages cooperation. Avoiding tactic is used as a passive method and is usually used during trivial issues. The last conflict-handling method is integrating which is used to solve problems. In this style the parties confront the issue, identify the problem, weigh out the solutions. This is one of the most successful methods but should not be used to solve problems with opposing value systems. Every issue needs to be solved using a managing style that best fits the problem. Unfortunately there is not written rule on which one to use so it is often best to look at each ones strengths and weaknesses before putting them to use.