Conflict Management

Positive and Negative Conflicts

Conflict is an inherent part of personal relations, and even though it is stressful, it can serve a positive purpose. For example, it can release emotions and frustrations, while opening the door to a wider discussion about common problems. It can expose the parties involved to new perspectives, and invigorate fresh discussions and approaches to problems.

Since conflict can produce positive results, some negotiators actually create conflict. In fact, some people advocate managing conflict instead of resolving it. This may, however, increase the conflict. Many arguments cannot be “managed” because it is so difficult to control human behavior. Conflict arises when parties argue over limited resources, economic hardships, poor communication or perceptions of unequal treatment. Sometimes people become more irritable or aggressive in the face of overcrowding, heat or illness. People respond to conflict several ways:

• Avoiding it by ignoring it or leaving the scene – For example, a person might leave the house and walk around the block to dodge a family argument.
• Being abusive or conquering the other party