Conflict happens--within yourself, between two people, within groups and between groups. Conflict can excite and provoke fear. If handled correctly, conflict can result in productive outcomes, where people can grow and increase their bonds, suggests the Rotary Club of Santa Monica's Help Guide. Interpersonal conflicts can regularly occur if you engage in relationships with others, but you can learn to positively deal with these conflicts.
What Is It?
Interpersonal conflict is the conflict that arises between individuals, as opposed to, between oneself or a group, as stated by Roy J. Lewicki, Bruce Barry and David M. Saunders, writing in the "Essentials of Negotiation." This type of conflict occurs between couples, neighbors, co-workers and roommates.
Power Balance
In interpersonal conflict there will be differences in power balance. All individuals will have some positive or negative means of influence in the conflict. If there is an imbalance in power and the individual with the highest power or influence is working only to benefit themselves, they will use their influence to impose an unsatisfactory resolution, reports Christopher W. Moore, writing in "The Mediation Process." This type of forced resolution will be unable to with stand the test of time and will result in further conflicts, states Moore. He goes on to point out that if the power balance is closer to equal, there will be higher probability that satisfactory resolutions will occur.
Cultural Influences
It is important to be aware of the possible cultural difference that could affect situations of interpersonal conflict. Making large modifications in your approach is not necessary, but it is important to be sensitive to the way cultural differences might be influencing the resolution, suggests Lewicki, Barry and Saunders. Culture can influence interpersonal conflicts in several ways: how the conflict is defined, the degree of formality between the individuals, the nonverbal signals that could mean different things, the importance of time and staying on track and the display of emotions, according to Lewicki, Barry and Saunders.
Solution Ready
You can find solutions and resolve interpersonal conflict at different stages, but there are times at which interpersonal conflict becomes ripe for a resolution. Moore points to characteristics that can aid in moving the conflict toward a solution: the two of you are interdependent, there are deadline pressures, alternatives are not as viable or desirable, you have been able to agree on issues in conflict, your interests are not totally incompatible, and there are external pressures pushing resolution.
Healthy and Unhealthy Management
Interpersonal conflict can be resolved, but the success of the outcomes will be determined based on whether the conflict was managed in a healthy or unhealthy manner. According to the Help Guide, unhealthy ways of managing interpersonal conflict include: lack of recognition for what the other person feels is important, explosive and hurtful reactions, withdrawal of relationship or rejection, expecting the worst and avoidance of the conflict. Interpersonal conflict that develops into a positive outcome can be characterized by: recognition and response to what the other person places in importance, ability to forgive or forget, working toward compromise of resolutions of equal benefit and an expectation that the outcome will include the interest and needs of all, suggest the Help Guide.
References
- Help Guide: Conflict Resolution Skills Managing and Resolving Conflict in a Positive Way
- "Essentials of Negotiation"; Roy J. Lewicki, Bruce Barry and David M. Saunders; 2007
- "The Mediation Process"; Christopher W. Moore; 2003
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