CRS-1200 Lecture 3: Perceptions and Styles of Conflicts (CRS Theory)
24 Jun 2018
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Perceptions and Styles of Conflict
Many people assume conflict is a bad situation which should be avoided, however, conflict
resolution scholars argue we should try to have a more positive outlook when thinking and
approaching conflicts. One way to do this, is by educating ourselves about the perspectives
and approaches to conflict. !
Our perspectives influence the way we react to conflict; none of which come naturally. They
must be taught and practiced, which normally occurs in our early stages of life through our
family."
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Some families may avoid conflict, others may be aggressive in their approach or more
collaborative. These all become influenced by different elements such as culture or religion,
and all have advantages and disadvantages. "
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These three styles of conflict, are considered the most common types practiced."
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Collaborative systems!
Direct and open way of interacting which often regular interaction!
!
- use of good listening skills!
- lack of blame, name calling and tricks!
- an offer to help one another often occurs!
!
Aggressive systems!
Use of strong language which is often rooted in honesty!
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- honesty does not equal truth nor protection of feelings!
- a survival perspective is applied, if someone attacks, fight back!
- positions are often established and hard to influence!
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Avoidance systems!
A lack of recognition towards a conflict which can occur in many forms.!
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- Refusal to discuss the conflict or speak to a party!
- Walking away from a conversation!
- Not expressing feelings
Scholars have found that the way people handle criticism, on both the receiving and giving
ends, is a significant influence in the type of systems people use in approaching and resolving
conflicts. They advocate for applying lenses to conflicts and mapping them out to clarify ones
influence on the outcomes.
This will help reduce the changes of a destructive cycle occurring or a spiral of conflict, which
result due to a lack of support or equality.!
Document Summary
Many people assume con ict is a bad situation which should be avoided, however, con ict resolution scholars argue we should try to have a more positive outlook when thinking and approaching con icts. One way to do this, is by educating ourselves about the perspectives and approaches to con ict. Our perspectives in uence the way we react to con ict; none of which come naturally. They must be taught and practiced, which normally occurs in our early stages of life through our family. Some families may avoid con ict, others may be aggressive in their approach or more collaborative. These all become in uenced by di erent elements such as culture or religion, and all have advantages and disadvantages. These three styles of con ict, are considered the most common types practiced. Direct and open way of interacting which often regular interaction. Lack of blame, name calling and tricks. An offer to help one another often occurs.
