3rd Edition

Personal Conflict Management Theory and Practice

382 Pages 3 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

382 Pages 3 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

382 Pages 3 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This third edition bridges the theory behind why conflict occurs with specific skills and tools to transform difficult interpersonal encounters into beneficial, constructive exchanges. Providing an understanding of the common causes of conflict, this edition continues its discussions of causes of conflict, what affects how conflict occurs and unfolds, and strategies to manage conflict. Separate... Read more

List of Toolbox Resources

List of Cases

Preface

Acknowledgments

SECTION I: The Nature of Interpersonal Conflict and Its Causes

1. Conflict in Everyday Life: An Introduction

What Is Interpersonal Conflict?

Interpersonal Conflict Is Different From Argument, Persuasion, or Compliance‑Gaining

Seven Assumptions About Interpersonal Conflict

Beneficial Aspects of Interpersonal Conflict

Summary

Chapter Resources

2. Causes and Explanations for Conflict

              Conflict Topics Are Not Necessarily Conflict Causes

              Conflict Behaviors Are Motivated by Reasons That Make Sense

              Conflict Behaviors are Learned

              Goal Interference Causes Conflict

              Four Main Goals During Conflict

              Understanding the Causes of Conflict through Theory

            Theories Influencing Conflict Management Studies

  Summary

Chapter Resources

3. Competitive and Cooperative Conflict Approaches

The Competitive Perspective

The Cooperative Approach

Interests Versus Positions

Applications of Patterns of Competitive and Cooperative Conflict

Which Approach to Conflict Is Best?

Constructive and Destructive Conflict

Supportive and Defensive Climates

Summary

Chapter Resources

4. Sociocultural Context and Conflict

Sex and Gender

Race

Age and Generation

The Taking of Privilege

Mastering Conflict Management Research

Summary

Chapter Resources

5. How Power and Trust Affect Conflict

Power

Trust

Summary

Chapter Resources

SECTION II: Conflict Management Skills

6. Listening

The Listening Process

Barriers to Effective Listening

Listening in Competitive and Cooperative Bargaining

Types of Listening

Eight Steps for Effective Listening During Conflict

Summary

Chapter Resources

7. Personality Traits Related to Conflict and Intrapersonal Conflict

What Is a Conflict Style?

Personality Styles

Conflict Management Styles

Three Conflict Management Strategies

Conflict Styles Across Cultures

Communication Styles That Impact Conflict

Conversational Style

Personality Variables Related to Conflict

Intrapersonal Conflict

Transforming Dysfunctional Communication

Summary

Chapter Resources

8. Negotiation

What Is Negotiation?

Contrasting Approaches to Negotiation

Negotiation Framing

Competitive Negotiation

Cooperative Negotiation

The Choices Negotiators Make

When Is It Better Not to Negotiate?

Summary

Chapter Resources

9. Mediation

Approaches to Solving Conflict

Conflict Coaching

Third-Party Resolution Processes

Mediation

Mediator Approaches

E-Mediation

The Balanced Model of Mediation

Problem Solving

Summary

Chapter Resources

10. Conflict Assessment

Understanding Conflict Comprehensively

Simpler Conflict Analysis Tools

Comprehensive Conflict Analysis Tools

Transformation Is the Key to Changing Conflict

Summary

Chapter Resources

SECTION III: Conflict in Context

11. Managing Difficult People in Conflict and the Aftermath of Conflict

Bullying

Causes of Bullying

The Bullying Process

Strategies for Victims

Managing the Aftermath of Conflict: Anger, Apologies, Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Anger

Anger and Strong Emotions

Apologies                                                              

Forgiveness

Reconciliation

Summary

Chapter Resources

12. Families and Conflict

The Family as a Communication System

Conflict Processes and the Family

Privacy Management

The Dark Side of Family Conflict

Conflict Management Skills for Families

Summary

Chapter Resources

13. Conflict in Romantic Relationships and Friendships

Romantic Relationships and Conflict

Conflict Topics Among Intimates

Conflict in Relationships: Good or Bad?

When Conflict Turns Violent

Friendship and Roommate Conflict

Relationship Maintenance and Conflict Among Romantic Partners and Friendships

Summary

Chapter Resources

14. Conflict at the Workplace

The Workplace Is a Unique Context

Workplace Communication

The Nature of Groups

Conflict in the Work Setting

Preventing and Managing Conflict at Work

Summary

Chapter Resources

15. Intercultural Conflict

              Culture

              Intercultural Interpersonal Relationships

              Media and Intercultural Conflict

              Theories Related to Intercultural Conflict

               New Media and Intercultural Conflict

  Summary

              Chapter Resources

16. Conflict and Social Media

The World of Social Media

Theories of Online Behavior

Summary

Chapter Resources

Glossary

Index

Biography

Amy Janan Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma, USA.

Ioana A. Cionea is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma, USA.

Suzanne McCorkle is a Professor Emerita at Boise State University, USA.

Melanie J. Reese is a Professor Emerita at Boise State University, USA.