September 7

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Conflict Resolution vs. Conflict Management: What’s the Real Difference?

By Joshua Turner

September 7, 2023


Conflict is an inevitable part of life. It can arise in any setting, be it personal or professional, and can significantly impact individuals and organizations. While conflict management and conflict resolution are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Conflict management refers to the process of minimizing the negative effects of a conflict, while conflict resolution involves finding a solution to the conflict itself.

The essence of conflict management is to prevent conflicts from escalating and becoming unmanageable. This can involve a variety of strategies, such as communication, negotiation, and compromise. Conflict management is often used in situations where the conflict cannot be resolved, but the parties involved still need to work together. In contrast, conflict resolution aims to find a solution to the conflict that satisfies all parties involved.

Understanding the difference between conflict management and conflict resolution is essential for anyone who wants to manage conflicts effectively. While both approaches have their place, they require different skills and strategies. By understanding the essence of conflict management and the process of conflict resolution, individuals and organizations can better navigate conflicts and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Conflict: Management and Resolution

Conflict can arise from disagreements, different values, opinions, and perspectives. Conflict can be constructive or destructive, depending on how it is managed or resolved. Conflict management focuses on minimizing the negative effects of conflict, while conflict resolution aims to eliminate the root cause of the conflict.

Conflict management involves mitigating the negative effects of conflict by finding ways to manage disputes, disagreements, and miscommunications. Conflict management strategies include negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Mediation involves a mediator who helps the parties reach an agreement, while arbitration involves a third party who makes a binding decision on both parties.

Conflict resolution, on the contrary, aims to eliminate the root cause of the conflict by finding creative solutions that satisfy the needs and interests of all parties involved. Conflict resolution requires open-mindedness, polarization, and a willingness to find common ground. It involves identifying the underlying issues and addressing them in a constructive way.

Programs like the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School offer conflict management and resolution training. These programs teach individuals how to manage interpersonal communication, different values, opinions, and perspectives. They also teach individuals to avoid the “us versus them” mentality and focus on identity and systems.

In summary, Although it is an indispensable component of life, it may be controlled and dealt with positively. Conflict management focuses on minimizing the negative effects of conflict, while conflict resolution aims to eliminate the root cause of the conflict. Effective conflict management and resolution require open-mindedness, polarization, and a willingness to find creative solutions that satisfy the needs and interests of all parties involved.

The Essence of Conflict Management

The Role of Communication in Conflict Management

Effective communication is a crucial component of conflict management. By communicating openly and honestly, parties can better understand each other’s perspectives and work towards a mutually acceptable solution.

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Listen actively and empathetically to the other party’s concerns and avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions. Clear and concise communication can help prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate tense situations.

The Impact of Values and Beliefs on Conflict Management

Values and beliefs can greatly impact conflict management. When parties have different values or beliefs, it can lead to a clash of opinions and perspectives. It is crucial to recognize and respect these differences and find common ground to work towards a resolution.

Additionally, individuals may have a strong emotional attachment to their values and beliefs, which can lead to an “us versus them” mentality. By acknowledging and addressing these emotions, parties can work towards a more collaborative and productive conflict management process.

Overall, managing conflict requires effective communication and the ability to navigate differences in values and beliefs. Individuals can work towards a mutually acceptable solution by approaching conflicts with an open mind and a willingness to understand the other party’s perspective.

The Process of Conflict Resolution

The Mediation Approach

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps two or more parties resolve their disputes. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but helps them communicate and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is a voluntary process and is often used in family, workplace, and community disputes. Mediation can be a less formal and less expensive alternative to litigation.

The Negotiation Approach

Negotiation is a process where two or more parties work together to reach an agreement. Negotiation can be done directly between the parties or with the help of a third party. Negotiation can be used in many types of disputes, including business, labor, and international. Negotiation can be a win-win situation where both parties benefit from the agreement.

In summary, conflict resolution is the process of resolving disputes between two or more parties. Mediation and negotiation are two approaches to conflict resolution that can be used to resolve disputes in a peaceful and constructive manner. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping the parties communicate and reach a mutually acceptable agreement, while negotiation involves the parties working together to reach an agreement. Both mediation and negotiation can lead to creative solutions and agreements that benefit all parties involved.

Comparing Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution

Aspect

Conflict Management

Conflict Resolution

FocusMitigating the negative effects of conflictFinding constructive solutions to disputes
GoalPrevent conflict from escalatingFind a solution that satisfies all parties involved
ApplicationInterpersonal communication, miscommunications, disagreements, different valuesNegotiating agreements, mediating disputes between parties
MethodsMediation, negotiationMediation, negotiation
Third-partyA neutral third party called a mediator assists parties in reaching an agreementParties in a dispute work together to find a solution
InvolvementInvolves managing conflict to prevent it from escalating into a full-blown disputeInvolves finding a solution to a dispute that satisfies all parties involved
EmphasisManaging conflict to prevent it from escalatingFinding creative solutions
OutcomePrevents conflicts from escalating into major issuesResolves disputes effectively
RelationshipConflict management serves as a preventive measure to minimize the negative impact of conflictConflict resolution addresses existing disputes and aims to find a resolution that satisfies all parties involved

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Conclusion

Conflict resolution and conflict management are two distinct approaches that can be used to address conflicts. Conflict resolution aims to resolve conflicts by addressing the underlying issues and finding a mutually acceptable solution. On the contrary, conflict management focuses on managing conflicts by minimizing their negative impact and maintaining a positive working relationship between the parties involved.

It is crucial to note that both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of approach will depend on the nature and severity of the conflict. In some cases, conflict resolution may be more appropriate, while conflict management may be the better option in others.

Regardless of the approach chosen, effective communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise are essential to successfully resolving or managing conflicts. By using these skills, individuals and organizations can minimize the negative impact of conflicts and work towards a positive outcome for all parties involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What distinguishes conflict resolution from conflict management?

Conflict resolution is a process that aims to resolve the root cause of the conflict by finding a mutually acceptable solution, while conflict management is a process that focuses on managing the conflict to minimize its negative impact.

Conflict resolution involves addressing the underlying issues and finding a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved, whereas conflict management involves managing the conflict to prevent it from escalating.

Q. How can conflict management and resolution be differentiated?

Conflict management is a process that involves managing the conflict by addressing the symptoms and minimizing the negative impact, while conflict resolution is a process that aims to resolve the root cause of the conflict by finding a mutually acceptable solution.

Conflict management involves addressing the immediate issues and finding ways to manage the conflict, while conflict resolution involves addressing the underlying issues and finding a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved.

Q. When should conflict management be employed?

Conflict management should be employed proactively before conflicts escalate into major disputes. It is particularly useful in interpersonal communication scenarios where miscommunications, disagreements, or differing values can lead to conflict.

By identifying the source of conflict and addressing it early on, conflict management helps minimize the negative impact of conflicts.

Q. In what situations is conflict resolution necessary?

Conflict resolution is necessary when disputes have already arisen and need to be resolved. It is commonly used in negotiations for agreements or when mediating conflicts between parties. Conflict resolution aims to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved, facilitating a resolution to the dispute and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

Q. How do mediation and negotiation fit into conflict management and conflict resolution?

Mediation and negotiation are commonly employed in conflict management and resolution. Mediation involves the assistance of a neutral third party, called a mediator, who helps parties in a dispute reach an agreement. Conversely, negotiation involves the parties in the dispute working together to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved.

These methods are valuable tools for facilitating communication, understanding perspectives, and finding mutually acceptable outcomes.

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