People address conflict in different ways; thus, it is worth employing a variety of strategies when engaging one in settling a dispute. Various circumstances compel individuals to choose how assertive or cooperative they should conflict. In the case of Ryan and Jason, Ryan can employ five different strategies for engaging in conflict to determine the best thermostat setting.
One of the methods of engaging in a conflict is by avoiding, which refers to ignoring or withdrawing from the controversy. When confrontation or discomfort exceeds, giving up would assist in settling the dispute. A typical example is keeping quiet and letting the other party’s decision takes effect. Conflict involves a battle where one loses while the other person wins ("Interpersonal conflict", n.d.). Therefore, surrendering is likely to assist Ryan in settling the disputes.
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Competing is another strategy for winning a conflict. The method calls for a participant to be assertive rather than being cooperative (Walden, Javdani & Allen, 2014). Ryan can as well use this strategy by denying Jason an opportunity to make decisions. In most cases, the competing method succeeds in war. A typical example is the Nazis rule in Germany where one party made decisions on behalf of all other characters.
Accommodating is another strategy Ryan can as well use to assist in settling a dispute. This method involves giving in to the wishes or demands of one another (Walden, Javdani & Allen, 2014). In most cases, accommodating assists in avoiding disruptions and preserving harmony. Coinciding with one another’s opinions is a way of solving matters by making a conflict to be intrapersonal rather than being interpersonal ("Interpersonal conflict", n.d.). An example of employing accommodation strategy is sympathizing with the elders by adhering to their will.
Ryan can also use collaborating strategy to engage Jason in a discussion. The process involves being cooperative and assertive by giving up a little bit of the expectation rather than getting everything needed (Walden, Javdani & Allen, 2014). This method relies on co-creating a shared solution that both Ryan and Jason can support. An example of collaboration is where one party comes with decisions that partially favors his/her interest to please another participant.
Compromising is another essential method of engaging a competitor in a conflict. In this method, participants are partially cooperative and assertive. An example is where everyone gives up a portion of what they want, and no party gets everything expected. In other words, the process involves refraining, which refers to changing how one thinks about a particular issue by meeting only a portion of goals ("Interpersonal conflict", n.d.). Compromising has no best outcome. Therefore, in the case of Ryan and Jason, Ryan can come up with another solution such as switching on the thermostat for a few minutes to favor part of each party’s interest.
Engaging in conflict is a controversial undertaking that can generate either positive or negative results. However, using any of the five strategies for involving in conflict is likely to assist the conflicting parties in coming into a conclusion. They include avoiding, competing, accommodating, collaborating, and compromising.
References
Interpersonal conflict, Chapter 11 , 343 - 347.
Walden, A., Javdani, S., & Allen, N. (2014). ENGAGING CONFLICT: SUPPORTING POWER-SHARING THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION. Journal Of Community Psychology , 42 (7), 854-868. doi: 10.1002/jcop.21657
