Article 2 - Organizational Behavior - Conflict Resolution

 5 Conflict Resolution Strategies

Author: Katie Shonk

Introduction:

When conflicts arise, whether in professional or personal settings, our instinct is often to assert our correctness and attempt to correct the other party's perceptions. However, this approach usually fails to resolve the conflict and can even exacerbate it. Drawing on research on negotiation and conflicts, this article presents five effective conflict resolution strategies that can help foster understanding and collaboration.

 

Recognize biased fairness perceptions:

Conflicting parties tend to believe they are right and the other side is wrong due to egocentrism, which makes it difficult to see situations from another's perspective. Overcoming self-centred fairness perceptions is crucial. Jointly hiring a mediator or involving an unbiased expert, such as an appraiser, can help both parties gain a more balanced understanding of each other's viewpoints.

Avoid escalating tensions:

In an attempt to gain attention or regain control, individuals often resort to threats or provocative moves when they feel ignored or steamrolled. However, such actions tend to trigger a reciprocation of threats and escalate the conflict further. Before making threats, it is important to exhaust all other conflict management options and consider the potential consequences of escalation.

Overcome an "us versus them" mentality:

Group connections can strengthen relationships, but they can also breed suspicion and hostility towards out-groups. This leads to a distorted understanding of the other side's views and an exaggerated perception of their extremism. To overcome this mentality, identify common goals or shared identities and emphasize them during conflict management efforts. Finding points of similarity fosters collaboration and increases the likelihood of reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.

Identify deeper issues:

Superficially, many conflicts revolve around money or tangible resources. However, underlying causes often involve feelings of disrespect or neglect. Instead of fixating solely on the division of resources, take a step back and address deeper concerns. Actively listen to each other's grievances and explore creative solutions that address these underlying issues. This approach strengthens relationships and expands the potential value to be divided.

Separate sacred from pseudo-sacred issues:

Negotiations become challenging when negotiators perceive certain values or principles as sacred and non-negotiable. However, many seemingly sacred issues are actually pseudo-sacred and can be subject to negotiation under specific conditions. Analyze the potential benefits that negotiation might offer in upholding these principles. For instance, in a case where siblings disagree about selling their parents' farm, considering donating a portion of the proceeds to a charity that aligns with their parents' values could soften objections and facilitate a resolution.

Conclusion:

Conflict resolution is a complex process, but by adopting effective strategies, we can improve our ability to navigate conflicts in a productive and collaborative manner. Recognizing biases, avoiding escalations, promoting empathy, addressing underlying concerns, and distinguishing between sacred and pseudo-sacred issues are essential steps toward resolving conflicts and fostering positive relationships. Consider employing these strategies when faced with conflicts in your own life to achieve more favorable outcomes.

References: Shonk, K. (2023). 5 Conflict Resolution Strategies. PON - Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/conflict-resolution/conflict-resolution-strategies/