Destructive Vs. Constructive Conflict

Conflict is a natural process that can have destructive or constructive outcomes.

The definition of conflict according to the World English Dictionary is:

1. A continued struggle or battle, especially open warfare between opposing forces 2. A disagreement or clash between ideas, principles, or people 3. A psychological state resulting from the often unconscious opposition between simultaneous but incompatible desires, needs, drives, or impulses 4. Opposition between or among characters or forces in a literary work that shapes or motivates the action of a plot vi to be incompatible, in opposition, or in disagreement (Encarta, 2004).

Conflict refers to situations described by an expressed struggle between two or more interdependent parties with apparent incompatible goals, limited resources, and a perception of interference. There are two ways of looking at conflict, destructive conflict, and constructive conflict. Each of these views are linked to different assumptions (Wilmot & Hocker, 2001).

It is up to the individual as well as the conditions on how to approach conflict. Many variables can effect the direction a conflict may take in determining whether the conflict will be constructive or destructive.

According to Morton Deutsch (1973), conditions that will affect a conflict are:

1. The characteristics of the individuals their values, motivations, aspirations, objectives, physical, intellectual and social resources, and individual beliefs about conflict.

2. Their prior relationship to one another their attitudes, beliefs, and expectations about each other, and degree of trust.

3. The nature of the conflict, including its extent, severity, and its significance to both parties.

4. The social environment where the conflict occurs, as well as any outside encouragements or deterrents.

5. Any other involved parties to the conflict including their relationships to the parties, and their interests in the conflict.

6. The strategy and tactics in use by the parties including their legitimacy or illegitimacy, the use of positive and negative incentives, use of force or the freedom of choice, sincerity of communication and the sharing of information, the degree of creditability, and of commitment.

7. The outcome the conflict will have on the individuals as well as the other interested parties including any benefit or loss, short-term or long-term effects, or the effects the outcome will have on the reputations of the parties.

These variables will determine the direction conflict will take as well as the outcome. Looking at the constructive aspect of conflict we can ascertain that conflict can help to stimulate new ideas. Therefore it is a means to alter situations by changing the environment. Conflict can also help maintain and continually change the balance of power between two parties.

According to Deutsch, he believes that the features of constructive conflict resolution are similar to creative thinking.

"Creative thinking involves three key psychological elements. These include (1) the arousal of an appropriate level of motivation to solve the problem; (2) the development of the conditions that permit the reformulation of the problem once an impasse has been reached; and (3) the concurrent availability of diverse ideas that can be flexibly combined into novel and varied patterns"

(Deustsch, 1973).

The dysfunctional view of conflict refers to conflict situations that are characterized by differences, withdrawing from communication and feelings of contempt (Wilmot & Hocker, 2001). This view can cause problems beyond the immediate conflict. Destructive conflict can suppress any positive result that may have been created from the disagreement. Destructive conflict may last for several years where the parties have stopped addressing the problem and abandoned the prospect of any possible resolution.

Dysfunctional or destructive conflict has a tendency to develop and spiral out of proportion. As a result, such conflict often becomes separated from the initial cause and is likely to go on even after the original conflict has become irrelevant.

The constructive view of conflict refers to parties that although are involved in conflict, are open to new ideas and willing to learn new ways (Wilmot & Hocker, 2001). Communication is a key factor in constructive conflict, a willingness to collaborate and negotiate in order to meet mutually satisfying goals.

The advantages of constructive conflict are that through communication, improved decision-making and the innovations to solve problems can transpire. Constructive conflict can be seen as a productive influence that stimulates both parties to expand their knowledge and skills. Constructive conflict can also clarify what is and what is not working so improvements can be made.

Throughout the various studies done on conflict resolution, we can certainly realize that conflict can indeed be a learning opportunity inviting both parties to grow and improve provided that communication remains open and that the conflict is not ignored nor entered into with a closed mind.

References

Deutsch, M., 1973 The Resolution of Conflict. New Haven CT: Yale University Press

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Wilmot, W & Hocker, J., (2001). Interpersonal Conflict 6^th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill