Humanities Homework Help

Review this inventory of style and provide either a hypothetical or real example of a conflict and the most appropriate approach (style). Three paragraphs minimum: 1) explain the nature of the conflict, the stakeholders and the issues 2) apply one of the five conflict management styles and explain how you would do so 3) justify your selection of style, provide strengths and weaknesses of the approach.

Conflict Management Styles

According to the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory

Integrating (Problem Solving) In this style, interested parties confront the issue and cooperatively identify the problem, generate and weigh alternative solutions, and select a solution. Integrating is appropriate for complex issues plagued by misunderstanding. However, it is inappropriate for resolving conflicts rooted in opposing value systems. Its primary strength is its longer lasting impact because it deals with the underlying problem rather than merely with symptoms. The primary weakness of this style is that it is very time consuming.

Obliging (Smoothing) “An obliging person neglects his or her own concern to satisfy the concern of the other party.” This style, often called smoothing, involves playing down differences while emphasizing commonalities. Obliging may be an appropriate conflict-handling strategy when it is possible to eventually get something in return. But it is inappropriate for complex or worsening problems. Its primary strength is that it encourages cooperation. Its’ main weakness is that it’s a temporary fix that fails to confront the underlying problem.”

Dominating (Forcing) High concern for self and low concern for others encourages “I win, you lose” tactics. The other party’s needs are largely ignored. This style is often called forcing because it relies on formal authority to force compliance. Dominating is appropriate when an unpopular solution must be implemented, the issue is minor, a deadline is near, or a crisis looms. It can be awkward in an open and participative climate. Speed is its primary strength. The primary weakness of this domineering style is that it often breeds resentment.

Avoiding This tactic may involve either passive withdrawal from the problem or active suppression of the issue. Avoidance is appropriate for trivial issues or when the costs of confrontation outweigh the benefits of resolving the conflict. It is inappropriate for difficult and worsening problems. The main strength of this style is that it buys time in unfolding or ambiguous situations. The primary weakness is that the tactic provides a temporary fix that sidesteps the underlying problem.