Question

For each row in the table, provide a description/definition of the response to conflict, as well as at least one "pro" and at least one "con.” on Kilmann's Five Responses to Conflict Situations.

Response to Conflict Situations	Description	Pro and Con
Competing
Accommodating
Avoiding
Collaborating
Compromising

Answer 1

Answer:   

a) Competing

Description: Also called as ( I Win , You Lose ) situation or forcing. It involves a firm persuasion by an individual regarding his/her own concerns despite the resistance by the other person.It involves use of power and ruthless administration.

Pros: i) Provides a quick resolution to the conflict.

ii) Increases self-esteem and draws respect when firm resistance or action are used as a response to an aggression or hostility.

Cons: i) Adversely affects the relationship with the opponent in long run.

ii) May cause the opponent to retaliate in same manner.

iii) Can escalate conflict.

b) Accommodating:

Description: Also called as ( I Lose , You Win) or smoothing approach. This approach involves accommodating the concerns of others rather than one's own concerns.

Pros: i) May help in protecting more important interests by foregoing the less important ones.

ii) Provides an opportunity to view the situation from a different perspective.

Cons: i) Opponent may constantly try to take advantage of the tendency of accommodating.

ii) May negatively affect the confidence to respond to an aggressive opponent.

c) Avoiding:

Description: Also called as (No win, No lose) Approach. It involves avoiding conflict by withdrawing, sidestepping or postponing.

Pros: i) Low stress approach in case of short conflicts.

ii) Provides time to focus on more important / urgent issues

iii) Provides time to prepare better by collecting more information before acting.

Cons: i) Causes delay in decision making

ii) Important decisions may be made by default

iii ) May further degrade the situation

d) Collaborating:

Description: Also called as (I win, You win ) approach. This approach aims at resolving a conflict in way that addresses the concerns of both the parties.

Pros: i) Leads to win-win outcome

ii) Promotes mutual trust and respect

iii) Shared responsibility of the outcome

Cons: i) May not be practical in the event of requirement of a quick solution or response.

ii) Consumes lots of time and energy

iii) Requires commitment of all the parties to look for a mutually acceptable solution.

e) Compromising:

Description: Also called as (Win Some, Lose Some) approach. It involves finding a mutually acceptable solution partially satisfying both the parties.

Pros: i) Faster issue resolution

ii) Lowers the level of tension and stress caused due to the conflict.

Cons: i) May not be possible in case of great initial demands.

ii) May cause deviation in important values and long term objectives

Hope this helps

Thank You