Lesson Notes

1. Lesson Notes

A. The Two Dimensions of Conflict Behavior According to the Thomas-Kilmann model, an individual’s behavior in a conflict situation is described along two basic dimensions:

1. Assertiveness: The extent to which the person attempts to satisfy their own concerns.

2. Cooperativeness: The extent to which the person attempts to satisfy the other person’s concerns.

B. The Five Conflict-Handling Modes By plotting these dimensions, we identify five specific ways to handle disputes:

1. Competing (Power-Oriented): High assertiveness and low cooperativeness. You pursue your own concerns at the other person’s expense.

   • When to use: During emergencies or when vital, unpopular actions need implementation.

2. Accommodating (Self-Sacrificing): Low assertiveness and high cooperativeness. You neglect your own concerns to satisfy the other person.

   • When to use: When you realize you are wrong or when the issue is much more important to the other person.

3. Avoiding (Sidestepping): Low assertiveness and low cooperativeness. You do not address the conflict; you postpone it or withdraw.

   • When to use: When the issue is trivial or when the potential damage of a confrontation outweighs the benefits.

4. Collaborating (Problem-Solving): High assertiveness and high cooperativeness. You work with the other person to find a "Win-Win" solution that fully satisfies both parties.

   • When to use: When both sets of concerns are too important to be compromised.

5. Compromising (Sharing): Intermediate in both assertiveness and cooperativeness. You look for an expedient, mutually acceptable solution that partially satisfies both parties.

   • When to use: To achieve temporary settlements to complex issues under time pressure.