2. CONCEPT
CONCEPT
Conflict is defined as a clash between
individuals arising out of a difference in
thought process, attitudes, understanding,
interests,
requirements
and
even
sometimes perceptions.
Let us understand conflict in a better
way
Tim and Joe were working in the same team
and were best of friends. One fine day, they
were asked to give their inputs on a particular
project assigned to them by their superior.
There was a major clash in their understanding
of the project and both could not agree to each
other’s opinions. Tim wanted to execute the
project in a particular way which did not go well
with Joe. The outcome of the difference in their
opinions was a conflict between the two and
now both of them just can’t stand each other.
3. Conflict:The Different KindsConflict:The Different Kinds
Man vs. ManMan vs. Man
Man vs. SocietyMan vs. Society
Man vs. NatureMan vs. Nature
Man vs. SelfMan vs. Self
4. Man vs. ManMan vs. Man
Man vs. Man occurs when a character (man orMan vs. Man occurs when a character (man or
woman!) has an argument, disagreement, or otherwoman!) has an argument, disagreement, or other
kind of “argument” with another character.kind of “argument” with another character.
Who can give me an example?Who can give me an example?
5. Man vs. SocietyMan vs. Society
The conflict between Man and Society occursThe conflict between Man and Society occurs
when a character disagrees with societal values,when a character disagrees with societal values,
laws, or beliefs.laws, or beliefs.
Who wants to give me an example of this kind ofWho wants to give me an example of this kind of
conflict?conflict?
6. Man vs. NatureMan vs. Nature
A conflict of Man vs. Nature occurs when aA conflict of Man vs. Nature occurs when a
character has a problem with outside forces:character has a problem with outside forces:
weather, animals, land, etc.weather, animals, land, etc.
Who can think of an example besides theWho can think of an example besides the
television show “Man vs.Wild?”television show “Man vs.Wild?”
7. Man vs. SelfMan vs. Self
Man vs. self occurs when a character develops anMan vs. self occurs when a character develops an
internal struggle between his thoughts and ideas.internal struggle between his thoughts and ideas.
This can be a result of the other conflictsThis can be a result of the other conflicts
mentioned.mentioned.
Can anyone think of a good example of this kindCan anyone think of a good example of this kind
of conflict?of conflict?
9. Phasesofconflict conflict among individuals. Lack of coordination, differences in interests,
dissimilarity in cultural, religion, educational background all are
instrumental in arising a conflict.
2. Triggering Event - No conflict can arise on its own. There has to be an
event which triggers the conflict. Jenny and Ali never got along very well
with each other. They were from different cultural backgrounds, a very
strong factor for possibility of a conflict.Ali was in the mid of a presentation
when Jenny stood up and criticized him for the lack of relevant content in
his presentation, thus triggering the conflict between them.
3. Initiation Phase - Initiation phase is actually the phase when the conflict
has already begun. Heated arguments, abuses, verbal disagreements are
all warning alarms which indicate that the fight is already on.
4. Differentiation Phase - It is the phase when the individuals voice out their
differences against each other. The reasons for the conflict are raised in
the differentiation phase.
5. Resolution Phase - A Conflict leads to nowhere. Individuals must try to
compromise to some extent and resolve the conflict soon. The resolution
phase explores the various options to resolve the conflict.
10. StrategiesforStrategiesfor
ConflictResolutionConflictResolution
1. Stay Calm
Even before getting to the root cause of the problem and
trying to resolve it, one important thing to remember is to
remain calm.
2. Speak Up
This happens with most people, they isolate themselves from
their friends, relatives and family, when they are going through
a bad phase or are facing any type of conflicts in their life.
However, such a strategy does not work. This is because, the
more you keep quiet, the bigger the conflict gets. It is therefore
advisable to speak your mind. Speak about your conflicts to
your friends, relatives, or whoever else is close to you. Get an
expert advice from the elder members of your family. This
would help you to resolve the conflict. Apart from speaking
with your friends and relatives, keep your ego aside, gather
enough courage and speak directly with the person
concerned.
11. 3. Listen
Speaking gives you the liberty to express your thoughts. But when it comes to
conflict resolution, speaking proves to be effective only after listening to
something. So if you wish to come up with a good solution to resolve a conflict,
develop your listening skills. Listening doesn't mean just hearing the problem and
leaving it at that. But here, it means to actually listen and understand the
problem, and develop a solution in your mind simultaneously. Listening not only
helps in developing a solution, but also makes you understand the point of view
of the person in front of you. If you listen to others, they will also listen to you, so
that you can express your thoughts. A mutual understanding of the feelings and
expectations of both the parties would thus resolve the conflict and strengthen
the bond as well.
4. Be Assertive
Assertiveness plays an important role when it comes to conflict
management. Assertiveness is a combination of several different qualities.
While being assertive you need to be patient, a good listener, confident, and
have a positive approach towards life.
12. 5. Forget It
Time is said to be the best medicine to cure the wounds caused to
your mind and heart. If you have tried everything that was possible
from your side, and all your negotiation skills and conflict resolution
strategies have failed to resolve the conflict, then it is advisable to
maintain a distance from that person for some time. Let time heal
your wounds, and once that is done, forget everything, meet up once
again and speak. But if you think that the conflict would never get
resolved, then cut ties forever. It is better to cut ties than bear the
conflict for an eternity.
13. THANK YOU…..!!!THANK YOU…..!!!
Conflicts can occur not only between
individuals but in groups too. Also, you never
know, from a conflict, you may learn something
new or useful from the other person's point of
view. So keep all these things in mind. Use
these conflict resolution strategies and you will
definitely come up with an effective solution.
Life is too short to spend time on petty issues
like disputes and conflicts. So see that you
avoid conflicts in the future and sort out your
differences with anyone, amicably. But yes,
also remember to 'think' before you speak, or
your words might lead to another conflict. If
you have a conflict, get it resolved, instead of
stewing over it forever!