1. Human Behavior Ch. 7—Becoming Aware
CONFLICT
Human Behavior
Ch. 7—Becoming Aware

2. What is Conflict?
Conflict: struggle between at least two people who perceive a situation differently and are experiencing interference from the other person in achieving their goals
Conflict: perception that one person’s goals, plans, and aspirations are incompatible with another’s

3. What causes conflicts? Control over resources Preferences & nuisances
Values
Beliefs
Goals
Nature of relationship between 2 people
Q. Is conflict considered a bad thing in our culture?

4. Negative Effects of Conflict
Positive effects of Conflict
Negative Effects of Conflict
Promotes growth in a relationship
Allows for a healthy release of feelings
Increases motivation and self- esteem
How?
If we believe that there will always be a winner and a loser
Larger problems may occur if conflict is handled inappropriately

5. Styles of Conflict: Avoiding
You avoid the conflict
Hope that it will just ‘disappear’
Okay if not an important relationship
Results in greater misunderstandings, resentment, and hurt feelings
Lose-lose situation

6. Styles of Conflict: ACCOMODATING/HARMONIZING
Passively give into the other party
Prefer harmony to conflict
Desire to be liked
Believe that conflict is bad for relationships
May develop feelings of resentment if used too much
Lose-Win

7. Styles of Conflict: COMPETING
Aggressive, uncooperative behavior
Feelings of resentment and hostility may result
Often legitimately made by figures in authority
May create feelings of wanting to get even and compete
Win-lose or lose-lose

8. Styles of Conflict: COLLABORATING
Both parties work to resolve the conflict with the best solution agreeable to all parties
Called the problem solving strategy
Encourages openness and honesty
Produces trust and respect
Win-win

9. Styles of Conflict: COMPROMISING
Resolve conflict through assertive cooperation
Value harmony as well as individual satisfaction
‘Everyone gets something’
Conflict is resolved, relationships are maintained
Partial lose-lose