The five conflict-handling modes discussed on page 290 are based on a person’s strategic intentions along two axes: (Source: K.W.Thomas, "Toward Multi-Dimensional Values in Teaching: The example of Conflict Behaviors (1977)"
a. Assertiveness-desire to satisfy one’s own concerns.
b. Cooperativeness-desire to satisfy the concerns of the other party.
Below are some of the appropriate situations for the Five Strategic Intentions presented by K.W.Thomas
1. Competition
- When quick, decisive action is vital
- Against people who take advantage of noncompetitive behavior
2. Avoidance
- When an issue is trivial, or more important issues are pressing
- When others can resolve conflict more effectively
- When potential disruption outweighs the benefits of resolution
3. Accommodation
- When you find you are wrong-- to allow a better position to be heard, to learn, and to show your reasonableness
- To minimize loss when you are outmatched and losing
- When harmony and stability are especially important
4. Compromise
- When goals are important, but not worth the effort or potential disruption of more assertive modes.
- To achieve temporary settlements to complex issues
- As a backup when collaboration or competition is unsuccessful
5. Collaboration
- When your objective is to learn
- To merge insights from people with different perspectives
- To work through feelings that have interfered with a relationship.
