Where there is more than one person there, sooner or later, conflicts arise. Depending on the situation, the conflicting parties and their goals, different problem-solving strategies are used to reach an agreement. In this article, we will discuss the five most commonly used conflict resolution styles: dominance, avoidance, submission, compromise and collaborative problem solving. Each of these has its own advantages and limitations, which are worth knowing in order to deal effectively with conflict in the workplace.
What are conflict resolution strategies?
Each party to a dispute has its own goals and needs, which may be in conflict, leading to a conflict situation. Depending on the approach, the parties may choose to deal with this challenge in different ways - by choosing an appropriate conflict resolution strategy. Each is tailored to the situation and the other people involved. The right strategy allows the characteristics of the interlocutors to be used to reach a compromise.
Learn the best ways to solve problems
Conflict resolution requires identifying the best strategies to use in a given situation. Some of the most commonly used approaches include competition, compromise or joint problem solving. Each party should understand each other's needs and strive to find an optimal solution that satisfies all participants in the negotiation. It is worth remembering that effective conflict resolution is not just about one side winning, but about a solution that minimises the impact of the conflict situation.
1. domination - an effective but risky negotiating strategy
Dominance is a negotiating style in which one party pursues only its own objectives without regard to the interests of the other negotiator. It is a strategy most often used by confident individuals who have an advantage over the other party - whether in the form of greater negotiating power or information advantage. In such an arrangement, the negotiator imposes conditions on the other party, knowing that the other party does not have sufficient arguments to oppose.
This style can produce quick and beneficial results, especially in one-off situations where no further cooperation with the other party is planned. An example would be a one-off transaction where the negotiator has clear objectives and knows that he or she does not need to be concerned about the long-term relationship with the partner.
However, domination has its limitations - in the case of, further cooperation, an overly aggressive attitude can lead to a deterioration of the relationship and, in the long term, a loss of trust. Moreover, a strategy of domination can be dangerous if the other party feels pushed onto the defensive, which can lead to an exacerbation of the conflict.
It is worth noting that domination most often leads to a lose-lose situation, in which neither party emerges from the conflict fully satisfied. Both parties focus on their own goals, forgetting to cooperate, which often leads to the breakdown of talks or an unfavourable settlement.
2 Avoidance - when is it worth postponing conflict resolution?
Avoidance is a negotiating style in which one party chooses to postpone resolution of a contentious issue until later. Negotiators focus on topics where agreement is easier to find, and put off difficult issues in the hope that they will resolve themselves or their importance will diminish. The avoidance strategy can be used when the issue is not relevant to the final outcome of the negotiation or when negotiators are not yet ready to make a difficult decision.
Avoidance also works well in situations where negotiators need more time to gather information or think through their positions. Sometimes postponing a problem allows 1TP1Mitigating the other party's demands or changing the terms of action, which can be conducive to finding a solution.
However, it is important to remember that avoidance cannot be used indefinitely. Issues central to the conflict must be resolved, and continually postponing them can lead to frustration and escalation of the conflict. Therefore, the avoidance strategy should be used in moderation and negotiators must skilfully identify which issues can be postponed and which require immediate resolution.
3. submission - the art of building relationships at the expense of self-interest
Submission is a negotiating style in which one party chooses to give in and accept the terms proposed by the other negotiator. It is a complementary strategy to domination - when one partner imposes their terms, the other usually yields to avoid further conflict. Yielding is often used in situations where the negotiator's priority is to maintain a good relationship with the other person and the pursuit of his or her own interests is relegated to the background.
Sometimes agreeing to less favourable terms can be worthwhile, especially in the context of a long-term relationship. Submissiveness allows you to strengthen your relationship with the other party, which may in przyszłity translate into more favourable negotiating conditions. However, too frequent use of this strategy can lead to exploitation of one party by the other, which in the long term weakens the negotiating position and reduces the chances of achieving satisfactory results.
Giving in is particularly beneficial when you want to maintain a good relationship with your business partner. However, it is worth striking a balance and not giving up one's own interests too easily, otherwise the partnership relationship may be disrupted.
4 Compromise - złoty measure or half solution?
Compromise is a negotiating style that involves mutual concessions in order to reach an agreement. Both parties have to give up some of their demands so that a mutually acceptable solution can be found. Compromise is often considered to be a reasonable and balanced approach that allows a quick conclusion to negotiations and avoids further disputes.
However, compromise does not always lead to satisfactory results. In some cases, it leaves a feeling of dissatisfaction, as both parties feel that they could have obtained more. In addition, compromise solutions are often not perfect and can lead to a situation where neither party is fully satisfied with the agreement reached. This can lead to przyszłive conflicts, as negotiators may seek to recoup lost benefits at the next opportunity.
It is also worth remembering that compromise is not always possible. In situations where one party has much greater bargaining power, compromise may mean that one party has to make much greater concessions than the other.
5. solving problems together - a win-win for both parties
Joint problem solving is the most advanced negotiation strategy, which involves full cooperation between partners to find a solution that satisfies both parties. Unlike domination or compromise, joint problem solving is based on clear communication and an understanding of the other party's needs, not just one's own interests.
By choosing this style, negotiators aim to create a win-win solution that benefits both parties. This strategy requires empathy, openness to dialogue and a willingness to work together, which makes it ideal in situations where negotiators are keen on long-term cooperation and building strong relationships.
Collaborative problem-solving is a process that can be time-consuming, but the results are often superior to other strategies. Negotiating partners leave discussions feeling that their needs have been met, which fosters trust and long-term business relationships.
What style of conflict resolution is best?
There is no one-size-fits-all conflict resolution style that is best for every situation. It all depends on the nature of the conflict and what the priorities of the parties are. Rivalry may be appropriate when one's needs need to be met quickly, but an overly aggressive approach may lead to an escalation of the conflict situation. In contrast, joint problem-solving allows a compromise to be found that each party can accept, minimising the risk of the relationship deteriorating.
Learn to solve problems and conflicts with the help of the Meeting Group
Want to learn how to effectively resolve conflict in your environment? Our comprehensive training courses and webinars will help you understand a variety of conflict resolution strategies and adapt them to the specifics of each situation. Through our programmes, you will learn how to analyse your needs, how to communicate effectively with others and how to apply the best methods for dealing with challenges in business and personal relationships.
What we have to offer you in the area of conflict resolution will first and foremost be based on the transactional analysis foundation of being in relationship with an OK-OK attitude.
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Summary
The variety of conflict resolution strategies in negotiation gives negotiators a wide range of options that can be adapted to the specific situation. Choosing the right strategy depends on the objectives you want to achieve, as well as the nature of your relationship with the other party in conflict. Dominance, avoidance, submission, compromise or joint problem solving - each of these strategies has its place and time. The key to success is to be able to recognise the situation in which a particular strategy will produce the best results, and to be flexible in adapting your approach to changing circumstances.
