Which Conflict Management Strategies are Effective in Maintaining Relationships? - Paper Example

Introduction

Conflict is common in today's society since people tend to disagree on different issues. Notably, it is possible for people to experience conflict on different relationship levels, and this might include love partners or a working relationship amongst many others. Nonetheless, it is vital that the affected persons find the right strategies to solve the differences amongst themselves, as that is the only means that they will manage to maintain their relationship. Therefore, the paper intends to provide a detailed research analysis which will answer the question regarding the possible conflict management strategies that are applicable in maintaining a relationship. For instance, one of the effective conflict management strategies that can also ensure that people keep their relationship is privately addressing the issue. There are increased chances that persons will solve their difference and maintain their relationship if they choose to settle their disagreement away from the public, and that is because it creates the right environment to express one's feelings. Furthermore, frequent communication also creates better understanding as it erases assumptions, and that is possibly one of the best approaches. It is also possible to solve disputes and maintain a relationship if the involved parties provide each side with an opportunity to air their grievances, as the indicated strategy leads to mutual understanding.

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The Effective Conflict Management Strategies in Maintaining Relationships

First, it is essential that the involved persons ensure that they privately address if they are genuinely interested in solving the matter and maintaining their relationship. The application of a private address to a conflict has various advantages, and the first one is that it limits the number of persons who get involved in the case. There are limited chances of conflict reaching a consensus when more people are involved, as each person will have to share their different opinion concerning the matter. Therefore, a private solution to a difference ensures that the issue is quickly solved since it is either two persons or two parties that feature on the matter, and that creates peace since they forgive each other on time (Avgar, 2014). The inclusion of many people limits the chances of quick forgiveness in a conflict, which also implies that the featured parties will not maintain their union. The second possible advantage of addressing the issue in private is that it creates an excellent opportunity for the featured parties to wholly express their feelings, hence making it possible to reach a timely conclusion (Lin, 2016). The best recommendation when people are involved in any form of conflict is that they fully state their reasons for dissatisfaction, as that is the only means of finding the right solution. Nonetheless, most people find it impossible to share their feelings in public since they feel embarrassed; thus the reason why is advisable that they embrace privacy.

Second, it is possible to solve conflicts and maintain a long-term relationship by ensuring that the involved parties offer each other space to air their views on the matter that has caused the fight between the two. Arguably, one of the main reason why people engage in conflicts or fight is that one of the involved people refuses to listen to the other's opinions, hence making it impossible for them to reach a common conclusion on the matter (Messarra & Karkoulian, 2016). Therefore, people will only manage to maintain their partnerships if they choose to listen to each other's opinion, as that provides each of the involved sides with different advantages (Chen, 2017). For instance, one of the possible benefits that one gain from listening to each other are that they find out their mistakes that might have created the misunderstanding. It is impossible for parties that are featured in a conflict to agree that they were on the wrong without listening to the other person, and that is why they must remain ready to find their mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. Moreover, offering each of the involved parties an opportunity to air their opinions means that there are chances that the relationship will last since it is a sign of respect. It is quite disrespectful for any of the involved persons to refuse to listen to the others opinions, and that is the reason why they will not manage to solve their differences and keep their union.

Third, understanding when an issue is out of hand is yet another possible way that people can solve the conflict, and it also ensures the achievement of relationships maintenance amongst the involved persons. Whereas conflicts lead to disagreements where people might even exchange words, it is always advisable that the interested parties ensure that they understand when the argument is out of hand, as that also creates various advantages. The first likely advantage that the parties earn from understanding when their case gets out of hand is that they avoid engaging in physical fighting (Chin-Chung, 2013). It is common to come across situations where people decide to participate in physical fighting since they disagree on an issue, thus the reason why it is essential to understand when it is the right answer back to another person and when they are supposed to practice silence. Whereas engaging in conflict is common in the society, the truth is that the situation worsens when they involved parties exchange blows, as that indicates that there are limited expectations concerning their future. Moreover, another advantage that a person gains from maintaining silence when things get out of hand is that they avoid using lousy language which might ruin their relationship (Seo, 2017). It is crucial that people maintain the use of polite words even when no longer at ease with another person, as there are chances that they will still request for their help in the future. The application of respectful words also gives a person the reason to listen even if they disagree with the individual.

Fourth, consulting other people on the right action regarding the misunderstanding it yet another sign that helps in solving the conflict, and it can also handle relationship matters. While a conflict might only feature two people or sides, sometimes it is hard to find the right solution if only the involved persons are left to handle the matter, thus the reason why the people must consider seeking others help. Notably, asking other people's advice implies that the involved parties can find the right approach to the matter, hence making it possible to maintain their union (Filatotchev, 2017). There are many instances where people have similar experiences like the one that an individual is facing at the moment, and that makes it reasonable for why they have to practice consultations. It is also crucial to mention that the involved persons should, however, ensure that they do not rely too much on other people's comments concerning the matter (Zhang, 2015). While it is crucial that one of the persons who is involved in the conflict consults other people on the right move that they should make, the other advisable instance it is also important to avoid posting the issue n social media accounts, as that might make the other person angry.

Fifth, it is only possible to maintain a relationship with a person through regular communication, as it ensures that the involved persons overcome misunderstandings and they can manage their case. Communication is one of the strategic approaches in handling conflict, and that is because the featured persons in the misconceptions manage to solve their issues. One of the main reasons why people fail to maintain their relationships or resolve conflict is because they do not practice regular communication, and that creates assumptions from each side of the issue (Hurt, 2013). Therefore, it is crucial that parties engage in frequent talks to create a peaceful atmosphere and overcome the challenges that they might face from the whole issue. Nonetheless, choosing the right communication strategy is yet another possible means that the team can achieve progress and keep their relationship. Although it is vital that conflicting parties engage in communication, the other essential matter which they must note is that different communication strategies are applicable in different situations. For instance, the best recommendation is that people are supposed to use face-to-face talk over other modes such as mobile calls or chats, as that also provides the right room for discussion.

Conclusion

In brief, the paper has provided a detailed analysis regarding some of the possible means that one can achieve to maintain a relationship through the use of conflict management strategies. One of the likely means that the paper highlights is ensuring private analysis on the matter. There are increased chances that the conflict will end and the involved parties will maintain their relationship if they use private discussion of the case. The application of private analysis ensures that each of the featured persons has a chance to share their arguments entirely, and that creates a platform for the right solution. Second, the paper also indicates that conflicting parties must practice respect by proving each member with an opportunity to air their views. A person's ability to offer their partner a chance to share their views means that they care about their interest, hence the reason why there are increased chances that they will keep their union. Moreover, understanding when they issue is out of hand is yet another possibility of solving disputes and maintaining relationships. Notably, there are chances that peace will prevail when another individual note when things are about to worsen and choose to keep silence. The fourth possible means of maintaining long partnerships by ending the conflict is through frequent communication. It is true that lack of communication develops misunderstandings between people since they create assumptions. While it is crucial to practice frequent contact, another important matter that the involved persons must consider is that choosing the right communication strategy also increase the possibilities of solving a dispute and keeping a relationship. Therefore, it is essential to consider the details of the discussion for one to address issues and achieve flourishment in relationships.

References

Avgar, A. (2014). Conflict in context. International Journal of Conflict Management, 25(3), 276-303.

Chen, J. (2017). Is it about task conflict or relationship conflict? Nankai Business Review Internationa, 8(3), 324-343.

Chin-Chung, C. (2013). Keeping relationships positive or doing things right. Chinese Management Studies, 7(1), 94-110.

Filatotchev, I. (2017). Market Orientation, Growth Strategy, and Firm Performance: The Moderating Effects of External Connections. Management and Organization Review, 13(3), 575-601.

Hurt, K. (2013). Assessing the impact of conflict-type on decision-effectiveness in top management teams: The moderating effect of attributions, emotions, conflict-handling behavior, and the environment. The University of Texas - Pan American, 10(2), 35-65.

Lin, W. (2016). We Can Make It Better: "We" Moderates the Relationship Between a Compromising Style in Interpersonal Conflict and Well-Being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 3(5), 41-57.

Messarra, L. C., & Karkoulian, S. (2016). Conflict resolution styles and personality. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 65(6), 792-810.

Seo, E. (2017). The impact of horizontal conflict on reducing vertical conflict in Japan's retail organizations. Internati...