Conflict permeates every part of your existence, from work relationships to your family and friendships. Different types of conflict may affect you in different parts of your life, and knowing which type of conflict you are facing can help you to faster identify the right course of action to resolve the conflict. Conflict usually occurs when one party makes a decision that the other party does not agree with. Identify which type of conflict you are having before you communicate with the other party to find a suitable solution to satisfy everyone.
Data
Data conflicts are those that are caused by a lack of information, misinformation or miscommunication, notes the Colorado Department of Education. For instance, if you were making a decision to downsize your accounting department at the office because you'd received a report that it was hemorrhaging money, and it was untrue, you'd likely find yourself in a conflict with the department head. Luckily, most data conflict is easily remedied when all parties are privy to the same correct information.
Relationship
Relationship conflicts are usually caused by a lack of communication or a difference in communication styles. They usually occur within interpersonal relationships, where one or both parties are emotionally invested. Relationship conflict can be dangerous because of the capacity to lose control when emotions are involved, notes InternetMediator.com. A clear understanding of the other's perspective can help you resolve this type of conflict.
Values
A value conflict occurs when two people or a group of people have differing opinions as to what is important. Value conflicts can occur with politics, religions or simply behavior. When two people disagree on what is "right," they have a value conflict. Hard to solve, value conflicts can potentially destroy partnerships because two people cannot get past their own definitions of what is important, says Mississippi State University.
Structural
Structural conflicts stem from the roles and power assigned to any given group of people. Unequal control, abuse of power and a dislike for superiors can bring about structural conflict, where a partnership doesn't work simply because of the structure of the relationship. The parent-child or employer-employee relationship can often suffer from structural conflict, as will a sudden change in status that goes unrecognized.
Interest
A conflict of interest is often cited when someone is already emotionally and psychologically invested in a project so much so that he can't clearly see the right pathway or result. A conflict of interest occurs when his need to succeed overshadows all else--protocol, role and even relationships. Objective criteria is necessary to solve interest conflicts once someone is too far invested in a project.
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