DOBA Knowledge

Conflicts are more than just disagreements. In conflicts, the parties involved perceive a threat and it is wrong to believe that they will simply go away. Even the smallest conflicts can turn into major problems if we fail to face them.

The reasons for conflicts usually lie in poor communication. The lack of understanding different styles of communication or even the inability or unwillingness to communicate may lead to conflicts that result in a lack of motivation and lower employee engagement. The main reasons for conflicts usually relate to viewpoints, values, or to personal characteristics of the parties involved. Such conflicts often occur when there is a generation gap between the parties involved. Reasons can also be found in competitiveness, mostly in the working environment, especially if payment is related to personal performance.

As we live with conflicts every day, it is important to know how to adapt in order to solve them with the least possible complications.

How do we solve conflicts?

According to Thomas and Kilmann, there are five methods of dealing with conflict:

1. Competing. This approach is directed towards “controlling” other involved parties. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to win our position, regardless if we stand up for our rights or views, or simply just try to win.
2. Collaborating. In this approach, all involved parties cooperate in the search for a solution that will fully satisfy all parties. It usually involves digging into an issue to identify the underlying problems that resulted in the conflict.
3. Compromising. We search for a practical and direct solution to the problem, whereby all parties have to partially give up their interests.
4. Avoiding. We simply avoid the conflict or postpone the issue until a later time.
5. Accommodating. When accommodating, an individual neglects his or her own interests in order to satisfy the interests of others.

How do you usually solve conflicts? Find out by taking this quick test.

Resources

• Online resource: https://www.cpp.com/pdfs/smp248248.pdf (retrieved: 1 April 2016)
• Online resource: https://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/onlinetraining/resolution/aboutwhatisit.htm (retrieved: 10 4 2016)
• Online resource: http://www.rakmo.si/knjizica.pdf (retrieved 10 April 2016)
• Online resource: https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konflikt_na_delovnem_mestu (Retrieved 15 April 2016)