Conflict Management Conflict Management

Why the study of conflict is important

Key elements of conflict

The nature of conflict

Variables in the study of conflict

Skills for conflict managers

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Why the study of conflict is important

Conflicts arise naturally in every arena of daily life.
Conflict management is a key skill for all successful long-term relationships.
There are good reasons for employing conflict management skills.
There are advantages to conflict.

There are advantages to conflict.

While the term conflict generally is associated with negative encounters, conflict itself is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. In fact, engaging in conflict can have positive effects on relationships and organizations.

Consider these benefits:

  • Conflict fosters an awareness that problems exist.

  • Discussing conflicting views can lead to better solutions.

  • Managing conflict is quicker and more efficient than letting conflicts fester.

  • Challenging old assumptions can lead to changes in outdated practices and processes.

  • Conflict requires creativity to find the best outcomes.

  • Conflict raises awareness of what is important to individuals.

  • Managing conflicts appropriately helps build self-esteem.

  • Managing conflicts well is a sign of maturity.

  • Conflicts are challenging.

  • Conflicts are exciting.

  • Conflicts encourage people to grow.

  • Conflicts create opportunity.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher.
William W. Wilmot and Joyce L. Hocker, Interpersonal Conflict, 5th edition (copyright 1998 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.). McGraw-Hill and the CIOS site author make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of any information contained in the McGraw-Hill Material, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall McGraw-Hill have any liability to any party for special, incidental, tort, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the McGraw-Hill Material, even if McGraw-Hill has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
 
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