Handout 5
Conflict resolution styles
TABLE OF CONTENTS | MAP | CSA HOME
| Style | Characteristic behaviour | User justification |
| Avoidance | Non-confrontational. Ignores or passes over issues. Denies issues are a problem. | Differences too minor or too great to resolve. Attempts might damage relationships or create even greater problems. |
| Accommodating | Agreeable, non-assertive behaviour. Cooperative even at the expense of personal goals. | Not worth risking damage to relationships or general disharmony. |
| Win/lose | Confrontational, assertive and aggressive. Must win at any cost. | Survival of the fittest. Must prove superiority. Most ethically or professionally correct. |
| Compromising | It's important that all parties achieve basic goals and maintain good relationships. Aggressive but cooperative. | No one person or idea is perfect. There is more than one good way to do anything. |
| Problem Solving | Needs of both parties are legitimate and important. High respect for mutual support. Assertive and cooperative. | When parties openly discuss issues, a mutually beneficial solution can be found without anyone making a major concession. |