Complete the conflict resolution questionnaire created by Dr. Johnson at the University of Arizona to determine your personal style. It is important for you to understand your personal conflict resolution style and be aware of it as you have difficult conversations.
Next, review the “Let’s Apply It” section in Chapter 2 called You’re an Avoider If… and complete the checklist of things that may have crossed your mind when having a difficult work-related conversation. Painless Performance Conversations
by: Green, Marnie E.
ISBN: 978-1-118-53353-6
Edition/Copyright: 2013
Summarize the results of these tasks and conduct a self-analysis to determine whether you agree with the results. Post this summary and self-analysis to the discussion.
Conflict Management Questionnaire
Directions: Answer the questions by indicating how you would behave rather than how you think you should behave. Each question provides a strategy for dealing with a conflict. Rate each statement on a scale of 1 to 4.
1 = Rarely 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Always
1. I explore issues with others to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. ___3____
2. I try to negotiate and adopt a “give-and-take” approach to problem situations. _____3__
3. I try to meet the expectations of others. ____4___
4. I generally argue my case and insist on the merits of my point of view. __2_____
5. When there is a disagreement, I gather as much information as I can to keep the lines of communication open. ____3___
6. When I find myself in an argument, I usually say very little and try to leave as soon as possible. ___1___
7. I try to see conflicts from both sides. What do I need? What does the other person need? What are the issues involved? ___3____
8. I prefer to compromise when solving problems and just move on. ___1____
9. I find conflicts challenging and exhilarating. I enjoy the battle of wits that usually follows. ___2____
10. Being at odds with other people makes me feel uncomfortable and anxious. _____1__
11. I try to accommodate the wishes of my friends and family. ____4___
12. I can figure out what needs to be done and I am usually right. ___3____
13. To break deadlocks, I would meet people halfway. _____2__
14. I may not get what I want, but it is a small price to pay for keeping the peace. __3_____
15. I avoid hard feelings by keeping my disagreements with others to myself. ____2___
How to score the Conflict Management Questionnaire:
As stated, the 15 statements correspond to the five conflict resolution styles. To find your most preferred style, total the points in the respective categories. The one with the highest score indicates your most commonly used strategy. The one with the lowest score indicates your least preferred strategy. However, if you are a leader who must deal with conflict on a regular basis, you may find your style to be a blend of multiple styles.
Style Corresponding Statements: Total: The numbers represent the questions above.
- Collaborating: 1, 5, 7 ____9___
- Competing: 4, 9, 12 _____7__
- Avoiding: 6, 10, 15 ____4___
- Accommodating: 3, 11, 14 _____11__
- Compromising: 2, 8, 13 _____6__
Brief Descriptions of the Five Conflict Management Styles
Accommodating: Cooperating to a high degree where you may have to give in to maintain relationships
Pros: Minimizes injury when we are outmatched; relationships are maintained
Cons: Breeds resentment; exploits the weak
Avoiding Style: Non-confrontational approach
Pros: Does not escalate conflict; postpones difficulty
Cons: Unaddressed problems; unresolved problems
Collaborating Style: Problems are solved in a way for all involved to get what they want and negative feelings are minimized.
Pros: Creates mutual trust; maintains positive relationships; builds commitments
Cons: Time consuming; energy consuming
Competing Style: Authoritarian approach
Pros: Goal-oriented; quick
Cons: May breed hostility
Compromising Style: Middle ground approach
Pros: Useful in complex issues without simple solutions; all parties are equal in power
Cons: No one is ever really satisfied
Conflict Scenario
You and your roommate live in a dorm room on campus. Your roommate has a friend who is on fall break at a different time than your school. She wants to invite her friend to visit and stay for two nights. You know that you have three tests and a paper due that week. You would rather not have a guest that week.
How will you work out this situation with her?
What conflict management style did you use?
What would you do if your roommate did not want to use this style?