BSHS 441 Week 2 DQ 1

bshs_441_week_2_dq_1

Describe conflict styles and discuss how you, as a mediator, might increase positive interaction in mediation with someone of each style.

 

Describe conflict styles and discuss how you, as a mediator, might increase positive interaction in mediation with someone of each style.

Conflict styles are how one’s preferred response or an individual’s natural inclination when he or she faces conflict. According to Barsky, (2007), “There are two primary orientations towards conflict resolution, assertiveness (concern for self) and cooperativeness (concern for others).”

Avoiders have low concern for themselves and for others, and can either consciously or nonconsciously deny that conflict exists. They do not satisfy their own needs or the needs of other individuals by avoiding conflict. As a mediator, one might increase positive interaction in mediation with someone in the ‘avoider’ genre by teaching the client alternatives to avoiding conflicts so the client will be more willing to effectively acknowledge and handle his or her problems.

Accommodators indicate that people have low concerns for their own needs, but they have high concerns for the needs of others. They often value positive relationships with other individuals or groups, and are willing to go the extra mile or out of their way in regard to pleasing other people. This is at the expense of their own needs. This person will become emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted by ignoring their own needs. As a mediator, one might increase positive interaction in mediation with someone who is in the ‘accommodator’ genre by trying to get that person to also focus on his or her own needs.

Competitors are people who have high concerns for their own needs, but low concerns for the needs of others. These people are out to win, and are willing to use power to influence others, since success is more important to them instead of amicable relationships with others. As a mediator, one might increase positive interactions in mediation with someone in the ‘competitor’ genre by being nice, assertive, and ethical in regards to the client. The relationship can be saved if one uses their charisma to persuade the client to support a position that regards the issue.

Compromisers are people who pay some attention to their needs and the needs of other people. They like solutions that will benefit themselves and other people, although both parties are usually left not completely satisfied. As a mediator, one might increase positive interaction in mediation with someone who is in the ‘compromiser’ genre by showing the individual a quick solution to the problem. The problem is solved and the client is satisfied by handling the problem.

Collaborators are people who have high concerns for themselves and for other people. They tend to find win-win solutions; and they want to solve problems with others. They use cooperative strategies (self-disclosing, shows respect, analyzes problems with others, offers suggestions, and validates other’s views). As a mediator, one might increase positive interaction in mediation with someone in the ‘collaborator’ genre by agreeing to discuss the problem together in order to work the problem out and to salvage the relationship. The issue will be solved, and the relationship saved.

 

Barsky, A. E. (2007). Conflict resolution for the helping professions (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks/Cole.

Response 2

According to the Barsky conflict styles charge the different styles that would increase the positive interaction in mediation are avoiders, accommodators, competitors, compromisers, and collaborators. These styles are found in the concern for self and others (2007).

Individuals that are avoiders have low concern for themselves and others so regardless if he or she gets the results that are warranted. They will try to remove themselves from conflict to avoid the situation. The best way to handle a person like this would be to try and get the person to deal with their underlining issues.

Accommodators usually do not try to meet personal needs yet will go out of the way for others even if it hurts them in the process. These individuals will admit to their mistakes and try to keep others from situations that may cause conflict.

Competitors are people who only really care about themselves and try to persuade others into siding with them. Competitors will use different tactics even if what they do is unethical or harmful to the other person. Mediation for this person will require the person to admit to the wrong without expecting any gain from it.

Compromisers will create solutions that cause both parties to partially win and lose. Usually no one is completely satisfied but the result is fair. Being a mediator in situation would require one of the parties to lose not all situation will all both parties to win and lose.

People with high regard for self and for others are known as collaborators. These individuals look for all parties to come together to problem solve. This person is respectful, reviews the problem from both sides. They admit to mistakes and take responsibility while saying professional. I think mediation for this style of person would be very easy.

 

Barsky, A.E. (2007) Conflict resolution for the helping professions (2nd ed.) Belmont, CA: Thomason/Brooks/Cole