• Avoiding
• Smoothing
• Competing
• Compromising
• Integrating

Learning Outcomes

• Identify one’s own preferred strategies for dealing with conflict
• Understand strengths and weaknesses in dealing with conflict
• Learn how to deal with conflict effectively

Theory

The Conflict Strategies Inventory Second Edition combines the works of Robert Blake and Jane Mouton, M. Afzalur Rahim, and many other respected researchers in the area of conflict management. It is based on 5 conflict strategies that are adapted from the conflict styles originally named by Mouton and Blake.

5 Conflict Strategies

• Avoiding: Staying away from or withdrawing from a conflict.
• Smoothing: Giving in to the other party and ignoring one’s own goals.
• Competing: Forcing an issue to one’s own way.
• Compromising: Giving in on one need in order to get another satisfied.
• Integrating: Focusing on one mutually satisfying outcome.

These strategies can be described in terms of two stages of a conflict encounter: Stage 1: Non-Compatible Goals and Stage 2: Outcomes.

How It Works

Individuals respond to 10 conflict-oriented work situations presented in the inventory. For each situation, individuals choose 3 out of 5 strategies and rank them in order of most likely reaction to third most likely reaction, using a pressure-sensitive form. The Participant Guide provides further insight with interpretive data and questions for discussion. Ultimately, the CSI results allow individuals to view their preferred strategies and help them to consider modifying conflict strategies where appropriate.

Uses for Conflict Strategies Inventory

This instrument is designed for people who have had or currently have problems dealing with conflict in the workplace. The CSI is particularly useful in management development and team-building activities prior to the introduction of specific conflict management skills.

Other uses for the CSI:

• Develop new approaches or solutions
• Bring long-standing problems out into the open
• Clarify thoughts and feelings
• Stimulate interest and creativity
• Stretch personal capabilities
  
  Starter Kit Includes 1 Facilitator Guide and 1 5-Pack Participant Guide
  
  Facilitator Guide contents:
  
• • Administrative guidelines
  • Background information
  • Sample training design
  • Blank training outline
  • Sample copy of re-formatted
  • Participant Guide CD-ROM containing reproducible content
  • Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation
  • Certificate of achievement template
  • Training evaluation template
  • Overhead transparency masters
  • Convenient 3-ring binder format
    
  Participant Guide contents:
  
  • Assessment
  • Pressure-sensitive response form
  • Interpretive information
  • Action planning