Question

differentiate between avoidance, competing and compromising and relate it to how people might react to conflict

Answer 1

Avoidance, competing, and compromising are strategies used to address conflicts, each reflecting different approaches and underlying intentions in dealing with disagreements or oppositional situations. Here's a breakdown of each strategy and their relation to how people might react to conflict:

### 1. Avoidance
- **Definition**: Avoidance involves ignoring the conflict or withdrawing from the situation entirely. Individuals employing this strategy may choose not to engage in discussions about the conflict or may physically remove themselves from the situation.

- **Behavioral Manifestations**:
- Silence or refusal to discuss issues.
- Changing the subject.
- Physical withdrawal or avoidance of the person or situation.

- **Conflict Reaction**: People who avoid conflict often prioritize maintaining peace or may feel overwhelmed by the situation. They may fear confrontation or worry that engagement could escalate the disagreement. This can lead to unresolved issues and may eventually cause resentment over time.

### 2. Competing
- **Definition**: Competing is a strategy where an individual seeks to win the conflict at the expense of others. This approach is typically characterized by assertive behavior and a focus on one's own needs or goals.

- **Behavioral Manifestations**:
- Making strong demands.
- Using power or authority to impose solutions.
- Frequently interrupting or dismissing others' viewpoints.

- **Conflict Reaction**: People who adopt a competing style may prioritize their own interests over relationships or collaboration. Their reaction to conflict can be aggressive or confrontational, leading to a win/lose scenario. This approach can create animosity and a lack of cooperation in the long run.

### 3. Compromising
- **Definition**: Compromising is a strategy that involves finding a middle ground where both parties make concessions. It aims for a solution that is acceptable to both sides, even if it means that neither party's needs are fully met.

- **Behavioral Manifestations**:
- Negotiating terms where both parties give and take.
- Seeking solutions that involve some level of sacrifice from each side.
- Fostering open dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

- **Conflict Reaction**: People who prefer a compromising approach to conflict typically value cooperation and seek to maintain relationships. They may react by being collaborative and open to dialogue, yet they might also feel frustration if they believe their needs are consistently sidelined.

### Conclusion
The choice of strategy in a conflict situation can significantly impact the resolution and the relationship between the parties involved. While avoidance can lead to unresolved issues, competing can breed hostility and resentment. Compromising represents a more balanced approach, but it might not always address the deeper underlying issues. Individuals may switch between these strategies depending on the context, the stakes involved, their personality, and their previous experiences with conflict. Understanding these strategies can inform better communication and negotiation skills when faced with conflict.