1. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Essentials of Human Communication, 6/e Chapter Seven: ManagingInterpersonalConflict This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

2. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Chapter Six Goals Engage in interpersonal conflicts so that they result in strengthening, not weakening your relationship Manage conflicts so that both parties emerge from the conflict reasonably satisfied

3. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Conflict  Common causes: intimacy, power, personal behaviors, distance, socialization, distrust  Content conflicts  Relational conflicts

4. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Positive aspects of conflict  Examines problem(s); work towards potential solution(s)  Each states own needs/wants  Prevents hostilities and resentments from festering  Shows ability to resolve conflict satisfactorily; stabilizes relationship Negative aspects of conflict  Increased negative feeling for opponent  Depletion of energy  Close off self to the other party  Leads to further conflict, hurt, and resentment Conflict

5. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Cultural Context  Cultural differences  value orientations  expressions of different perceptions  face-saving or avoidance  Gender differences

6. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Conflict Styles CompetingAvoidingAccommodatingCollaboratingCompromising

7. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Factors to consider: 1.The goals to be achieved 2.Your emotional state 3.Your cognitive assessment of the situation 4.Your personality and communication competence 5.Your family history

8. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Conflict Management Force and Talk  Force—using either physical or emotional power, or both (Abuse is a high factor in divorce)  Talk—the only real alternative to force

9. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 DEFENSIVENESS AND SUPPORTIVENESS Evaluation Control Strategy Neutrality Superiority Certainty

10. Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Other Conflict Management Terms  Face-enhancing  Face-detracting  Blame and empathy  Silencers  Facilitating open expression  Gunnysacking and present focus  Verbal aggressiveness  Argumentativeness