Variables in the Study of Conflict  

	Power	Climate
	Goals	Cultural Assumptions
	Gender	Strategies and Tactics
	Perception	Style

Strategies and Tactics

The notion of strategies and tactics originated from game theory. Game theory was developed  to study war and deterrence. Some of the assumptions of game theory (particularly, the idea that parties are aware of the other's goals and will act rationally) make the theory less useful in the interpersonal conflict arena. Still, the notion that individuals choose among a variety of behavioral strategies and tactics remains useful.

Behind the study of conflict strategy and tactics is the hope that individuals who are aware of many options will make better choices in conflicts than those who feel they have no choices or very limited options.

The first strategic choice in a conflict is whether to avoid or engage. The avoidance behaviors discussed elsewhere can be viewed as avoidance tactics.

If a strategic choice is made to engage in conflict, then tactics or moves must be selected. Competitive tactics include personal criticism; rejection, hostile requests, jokes, threats and questions; sarcasm; making statements which attribute thoughts or motives to the other party; denial of responsibility; verbal aggressiveness; refusing to disclose one's interests; remaining positional; and obnoxiousness.

Collaborative or mutual gains tactics include focusing on interests; problem-orientation; appealing to fairness; being descriptive; disclosing one's own goals and needs; soliciting information from the other person in the conflict; making concessions; accepting responsibility; and offering face-saving options.

A comprehensive explanation of tactics is beyond the scope of this introductory discussion. A separate body of literature exists to discuss the tactical moves in traditional or competitive negotiation and in mutual gains bargaining. Keep in mind, however, that understanding and obtaining a wide repertoire of tactical options gives conflict managers more choices and a greater feeling of personal competence.

Sources for the strategies and tactics variable discussion include Fisher and Brown, 1988; Folger, Poole, and Stutman, 1997; Hall, 1993; Johnson, 1993; Lax and Sebenius, 1986; Lulofs, 1994; Schelling, 1960; Susskind and Field, 1996; Wilmot and Hocker, 1998.