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Conflict Management

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Conflict Management

Wiley,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Conflict can be negative or positive. It’s part of life, and also what you make of it.

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Wanna fight? This book says you should and shows you how you can benefit from conflict. Author Baden Eunson clearly defines his topic and breaks it down into easily digestible components. He analyzes conflicts from various perspectives to show how they can evolve and build up strength. He explains how the involved parties can either gain from or succumb to the powers unleashed by conflict. getAbstract recommends this highly understandable, practical guide to those who need help navigating through the minefield of conflict. And if you'd rather avoid a fight and work out your differences in a more controlled atmosphere, Eunson dedicates a good portion of the book to the negotiating process, so you can decide whether you prefer bare-knuckles warfare or a more civilized alternative.

Summary

Positive and Negative Conflicts

Conflict is an inherent part of personal relations, and even though it is stressful, it can serve a positive purpose. For example, it can release emotions and frustrations, while opening the door to a wider discussion about common problems. It can expose the parties involved to new perspectives, and invigorate fresh discussions and approaches to problems.

Since conflict can produce positive results, some negotiators actually create conflict. In fact, some people advocate managing conflict instead of resolving it. This may, however, increase the conflict. Many arguments cannot be “managed” because it is so difficult to control human behavior. Conflict arises when parties argue over limited resources, economic hardships, poor communication or perceptions of unequal treatment. Sometimes people become more irritable or aggressive in the face of overcrowding, heat or illness. People respond to conflict several ways:

  • Avoiding it by ignoring it or leaving the scene – For example, a person might leave the house and walk around the block to dodge a family argument.
  • Being abusive or conquering the other party

About the Author

Baden Eunson teaches in the school of English, Communications and Performance Studies at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He also runs a training and consultancy business. He is the author of numerous books, including C21: Communicating in the 21st Century.

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