Conflict and Interpersonal Communication
Read this section to define interpersonal conflict, compare and contrast the five styles of interpersonal conflict management, explain how perception and culture influence interpersonal conflict, and list strategies for effectively managing conflict. For the time being, skip the "Culture and Conflict" section, which we will cover in Unit 6.
Exercises
- Of the five conflict management strategies, is there one that you
use more often than others? Why or why not? Do you think people are
predisposed to one style over the others based on their personality or
other characteristics? If so, what personality traits do you think would
lead a person to each style?
- Review the example of D'Shaun and Rosa. If you were in their
situation, what do you think the best style to use would be and why?
- Of the conflict triggers discussed (demands, cumulative annoyance,
rejection, one-upping, and mindreading) which one do you find most often
triggers a negative reaction from you? What strategies can you use to
better manage the trigger and more effectively manage conflict?