conflict

Conflict defined is when interdependent parties perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources and interference in achieving their goals and express this outwardly. It seems conflict is more the norm than the exception in human societies at large and in our daily lives as individuals. And, of course, the degree and nature of conflict itself has many shades. At the international level of geo-politics, think about events such as: the Cold War, Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Auschwitz, and …

…We also didn’t adopt the right styles. Instead of collaborating with each other, we employed less effective and disintegrative approaches. John’s style was that of “avoidance”. Bedi’s was that of “accommodation”. And mine was initially “competitive” and more that of “avoidance” by the end of the semester having given up all “hope”. “Principled negotiations” with the right conflict management style is imperative if one is to take full advantage of small groups.