Elements of Conflict

1. First, identify an example of a conflict you have personally experienced.
2. Analyze your perception of the conflict, using the text’s definition.
   a. Expressed struggle: How has the conflict been expressed? How often? Verbally?
   Nonverbally? Overt? Covert?
   b. Interdependent parties: What binds you together? In what ways do you need the
   other person? In what ways does he or she need you?
   c. Perceived incompatible goals: What aren’t you getting? What isn’t the other
   person getting?
   d. Perceived scarce resources: Examples include time, money, affection, inclusion,
   etc.
   e. Perceived interference from others in achieving those goals: In what ways are you
   interfering with the other person’s goals? How is the other person interfering
   with your goals?
3. Analyze the other person’s view of conflict, according to the five elements. You can do this
   by (a) directly asking the other party or (b) making your best guesses about how he or she
   views the conflict.
4. Write a 2-3 page paper that:
   a. Summarizes both your view and the other’s view of the conflict.
   b. Identifies areas where you and the other could improve the management of the conflict.
   c. Discusses the role perception plays in conflict.
   d. Reflects what you have learned by completing this process.

Sample Solution