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Chapter 1 The Nature of Conflict

Alexander Yaroslavsky
January 28, 2010

What is Conflict?

Define Conflict Explore underlying assumptions Discuss Conflict Escalation and De escalation

Exercise

Spend 5 minutes to come up with a definition of conflict. Then work with your group to compare and refine your answer.

Suppose a Martian landed on Earth and wanted to know about conflict.

What is conflict? Is conflict good, bad or neutral (or something else)? How would you respond to these questions?

Textbook Definition

Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. - Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Role of Perception

Perception is at the core of all conflict analysis

Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. - Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Expressed Struggle

Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. - Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Interdependent Parties

Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. - Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Incompatible Goals

Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. - Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Scarce Resources

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Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals. - Wilmot & Hocker (2007).

Interference

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Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

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Explain Your Perspective: I statements

I feel/felt ___

I felt angry when I was interrupted

When ___

Because ___

because I didnt get a chance to talk

What I really want is ___

What I really want is to participate in the discussion

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Exercise: Emotional Intelligence

Form into small groups. Study the list below and discuss which categories are your strengths, and which are your challenges. Consider the people in your life who model good emotional intelligence. How do they act to be considered role models by you?

Self-Awareness Emotional self-awareness Accurate self-assessment Self-confidence

Social-Awareness Empathy Organizational awareness Service orientation

Self-Management Self-control Trustworthiness Conscientiousness Adaptability Achievement-orientation Initiative

Social Skills Developing Others Leadership Influence Communication Change-catalyst Conflict Management Building bonds Teamwork and collaboration
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Chapter 1 The Nature of Conflict

Questions?