Conflict is an unavoidable but potentially productive part of human
behavior. When managed effectively, conflict can lead to satisfaction
with goals attained, more creative "solutions," and enhanced commit
ment to relationships. This article describes a variety of approaches to
conflict management, categorizes them, and discusses the similarities of
and contributions made by a few widely used models. Detailed descrip
tions are given of models that convert conflicts into problems to which
problem-solving techniques can be applied.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Alger, I.Integrating immediate videoplayback in family therapy. In P. J. Guerin, Jr. (Ed.), Family therapy: Theory and practice. New York: Gardner Press, 1976.
Austin, D.L.Conflict: A more professional approach. Personnel Administration , 1976, 21, 28-32.
4.
Bagarozzi, D.A., & Wodarski, J.S.A social exchange typology of conjugal relationships and conflict development. Journal of Marriage and Family Counseling , 1977,3, 53-58.
5.
Bethel, C.A., Brennan, N., Lewis, M.K., & Singer, L.R.Conflict resolution in high schools: A modest proposal. NASSP Bulletin, 1978, 62, 23-27.
6.
Blake, R.R., & Mouton, J.S.The fifth achievement. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science , 1970, 6, 413-426.
7.
Blake, R.R., Mouton, J.S., & Sloma, R.L.The union management intergroup laboratory: Strategy for resolving intergroup conflict. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science , 1965,1, 25-57.
8.
Coser, L.A.The functions of social conflict. Glencoe, IL: The Free Press, 1956.
9.
Cuthill, R.How to cope with interpersonal conflicts. Canadian Business , 1976, 49, 89-90.
10.
Derr, B.Conflict: A neglected resource, from confrontation to collaboration . The Conference Board Record, 1975,12, 39-42.
11.
Deutsch, M.The resolution of conflict: Constructive and destructive processes . New Haven, CN: Yale University Press, 1973.
12.
Fisher, R.J.Third party resolution of conflict: A method for study and resolution of conflict . Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1972,16, 67-94.
13.
Frey, D., & Young, J.A.Managing conflict in educational settings. NASSP Bulletin , 1978, 62, 18-21.
14.
Frost, J., & Wilmot, W.W.Doing conflict: Communication and interpersonal conflict. Dubuque, IA: William C. Brown, 1978 .
15.
Goddard, N.Keeping the fight out of title IX: Some conflict management methods . Thrust for Education Leadership, 1976, 6, 15-18.
16.
Gordon, T.Parent effectiveness training. New York: Wyden, 1970.
17.
Gorton, R.A.Conflict, controversy and crisis in school administration and supervision: Issues, cases, and concepts for the '70s. Dubuque, IA: William C. Brown, 1972.
18.
Hill, R.E.Managing interpersonal conflict in project teams. Sloan Management Review, 1977, 18, 45-61.
19.
Hunger, J.D., & Stern, L.W.An assessment of the functionality of the superordinate goal in reducing conflict . Academy of Management Journal, 1976, 19, 591-605.
20.
Kilmann, R.H., & Thomas, K.W.Four perspectives on conflict management: An attributional framework for organizing descriptive and normative theory. Academy of Management Review , 1978, 3, 59-68.
21.
Leitenberg, H., Borchard, J.D., Borchard, S.N., Fuller, E.J., & Lysaght, T.V.Using positive reinforcement to suppress behavior: Some experimental comparisons with sibling conflict. Behavior Therapy, 1977 , 8, 168-182.
22.
Levi, A.M., & Benjamin, A.Jews and Arabs rehearse Geneva: A model of conflict resolution. Human Relations, 1976,11, 1035-1044.
23.
Levinson, D.J.The intergroup workshop: Its psychological aims and effects. Journal of Psychology, 1954, 38, 103-126.
24.
Livingston, D.G.Rules of the road: Doing something simple about conflict in the organization . Personnel, 1977, 54, 23-29.
25.
Louis, M.R.How individuals conceptualize conflict: Identification of steps in the process and the role of personal developmental factors. Human Relations , 1977, 30, 451-467.
26.
Main, A.P., & Roark, A.E.A consensus method to reduce conflict. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 1975, 53, 754-759.
27.
Martin, B., & Twentyman, C.Teaching conflict resolution skills to parents and children. In E. J. Mash, L. C. Handy, & L. A. Hamerlynck (Eds.), Behavior modification approaches to parenting. New York : Brunner/Mazel, 1976 .
28.
Miller, G.D., & Zoradi, S.D.Roommate conflict resolution. Journal of College Student Personnel , 1977, 18, 228-230.
29.
Minuchin, S.Conflict resolution family therapy. Psychiatry, 1965,23,278-286.
30.
Morano, R.H.Managing conflict for problem solving. Personnel Journal , 1976, 55,393-394.
31.
Osgood, C.E.An alternative to war or surrender. Urbana, IL : University of Illinois Press, 1962.
32.
Osgood, C.E.Calculated de-escalation as a strategy. In D. C. Pruitt & R. C. Snyder (Eds.), Theory and research on the causes of war. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall, 1969.
33.
Paul, N.L.Cross-confrontation. In P. J. Guerin, Jr. , (Ed.), Family therapy: Theory and practice. New York: Gardner Press, 1976.
34.
Pondy, L.R.Organizational conflict: Concepts and models. Administrative Science Quarterly, 1967,12,296-320.
35.
Rassam, C.How to solve interdepartmental conflict. International Management,1976, 31, 31, 47-50.
36.
Reed, R.J., & Avis, J.P.A modest strategy for reducing school conflict. NASSP Bulletin , 1978,62,28-35.
