SOCI110 - Workbook for Module 12 - How Do You Handle Conflict?

Modified from Daft 7e pp. 470-471

Your Name
 

 Instructions

  1. This is an individual activity; each student should use a separate sheet
  2. Write your name in the space provided above; return your sheet at the end of class
  3. Think of some disagreements you have had with a friend, relative, manager, co-worker, roommate, etc.  Then indicate how frequently you engage in each of the following described behaviors.  For each item, select the number that best represents how frequently you exhibit the behavior described.  There are no right or wrong answers.  Respond to all items, using the response scale below.  Disregard for the moment the letters (A, B, C) that are next to the items.

 
Response Scale
Always Very Often Often Sometimes Seldom Very Seldom Never
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 
 
Cat Score  
A   1.  I blend my ideas to create new alternatives for resolving a disagreement.
B   2.  I shy away from topics that are sources of disputes.
C   3.  I make my opinion known in a disagreement.
A   4.  I suggest solutions that combine a variety of viewpoints.
B   5.  I steer clear of disagreeable situations.
A   6.  I give in a little on my ideas when the other person also gives in.
B   7.  I avoid the other person when I suspect that he or she wants to discuss a disagreement.
A   8.  I integrate arguments into a new solution from the issues raised in a dispute.
A   9.  I will go 50-50 to reach a settlement.
C   10.  I raise my voice when I’m trying to get the other person to accept my position.
A   11.  I offer creative solutions in discussions of disagreements.
B   12.  I keep quiet about my views in order to avoid disagreements.
A   13.  I give in if the other person will meet me halfway.
B   14.  I downplay the importance of a disagreement.
B   15.  I reduce disagreements by making them seem insignificant.
A   16.  I meet the other person at a midpoint in our differences.
C   17.  I assert my opinion forcefully.
C   18.  I dominate arguments until the other person understands my position.
A   19.  I suggest we work together to create new solutions to disagreements.
A   20.  I try to use the other person’s ideas to generate solutions to problems.
A   21.  I offer trade-offs to reach solutions in disagreements.
C   22.  I argue insistently for my stance.
B   23.  I withdraw when the other person confronts me about a controversial issue.
B   24.  I sidestep disagreements when they arise.
B   25.  I try to smooth over disagreements by making them appear unimportant.
C   26.  I insist my position be accepted during a disagreement with the other person.
B   27.  I make our differences seem less serious.
B   28.  I hold my tongue rather than argue with the other person.
B   29.  I ease conflict by claiming our differences are trivial.
C   30.  I stand firm in expressing my viewpoints during a disagreement.
A Total   Divide by 11 _______ ;  Subtract result from 7 _______
B Total   Divide by 12 _______ ;  Subtract result from 7 _______
C Total   Divide by 7 ________ ;  Subtract result from 7 _______

Instructions (cont'd)

  1. When you have completed all the items do the scoring.  This instrument measures three categories of conflict-handling strategies: solution-oriented, nonconfrontational, and control.  Score the three dimensions as follows:
    1. Solution-oriented - add individual scores for all A items (# 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 20, 21); divide the total by the number of items (11); then substract the resulting average score from 7
    2. Non-confrontational - add individual scores for all B items (# 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29); divide the total by the number of items (12); then substract the resulting average score from 7
    3. Control - add individual scores for all C items (# 3, 10, 17, 18, 22, 26, 30); divide the total by the number of items (7); then substract the resulting average score from 7
  2. Enter each score in the appropriate box below. Look at the descriptions of the three conflict-handling strategies. Then answer the discussion questions that follow.
Your Score Conflict-Handling Strategy
   A. Solution-Oriented - Solution-oriented strategies tend to focus on the problem rather than the individuals involved. Solutions reached are often mutually beneficial, with neither party defining himself or herself as the winner and the other party as the loser.  Solution-oriented strategies also include the win-win strategy and the cooperative approach discussed in this chapter.
   B. Non- Confrontational - Non-confrontational strategies tend to focus on avoiding the conflict by either avoiding the other party or by simply allowing the other party to have his or her way. These strategies are used when there is more concern with avoiding a confrontation than with the actual outcome of the problem situation. 
   C. Control - Control strategies tend to focus on winning or achieving one's goals without regard for the other party's needs or desires.  Individuals using these strategies often rely on rules and regulatiojns in order to win the battle.  Control strategies also include the win-lose strategy and the classical collective bargaining approach to labor-management relations. 

 

Discussion Questions

1. Which strategy do you find easiest to use?  Most difficult?  Which do you use more often?
 
 
 
 

2. Would your answers tend to differ, depending on whether the other person is a friend, family member, or co-worker?
 
 
 
 

3. What is it about the conflict situation that tells you which strategy to use in a particular situation of conflict?
 
 
 
 

Last modified 29 Nov 2001