HDYR 13.1: Conflict Styles

HDYR 13.1: Conflict Styles

Choose a relationship that is prominent in your life: a family member, a romantic partner, a friend, a co-worker, or an instructor. Then, enter the number that indicates how well each statement describes how you manage conflict within that relationship. Use a 7-point scale: 1 = strongly disagree, 4 = neither agree or disagree, and 7 = strongly agree.

Score
1. I generally try to satisfy the needs of my partner.
2. I attempt to avoid being put on the spot and try to keep my conflict with my partner to myself.
3. I try to work with my partner to find solutions to a problem which satisfy our expectations
4. I usually avoid open discussion of my differences with my partner.
5. I try to find a middle course to resolve an impasse.
6. I use my influence to get my ideas accepted.
7. I use my authority to make a decision in my favor.
8. I usually accommodate the wishes of my partner.
9. I give in to the wishes of my partner
10. I exchange accurate information with my partner to solve a problem together.
11. I usually propose a middle ground for breaking deadlocks.
12. I negotiate with my partner so that a compromise can be reached.
13. I try to stay away from disagreement with my partner.
14. I use my expertise to make a decision in my favor.
15. I use give and take so that a compromise can be made.
16. I try to bring all our concerns out in the open so that the issue can be resolved in the best possible way.
17. I try to satisfy the expectations of my partner.
18. I sometimes use my power to win in a competitive situation
19. I try to keep my disagreement with my partner to myself in order to avoid hard feelings.
20. I try to work with my partner for a proper understanding of a problem.

Compute your average score for each conflict style by adding up responses to those items and dividing by 4. The following items refer to each conflict style: Dominating - 6, 7, 14, 18; Integrating - 3, 10, 16, 20; Obliging - 1, 8, 9, 17; Avoiding - 2, 4, 13, 19; and Compromising – 5, 11, 12, 15. Average scores lower than 4 suggest that you tend not to have that conflict style, whereas numbers greater than 4 imply that you tend to use that style to manage your conflicts.

[Source: Rahim, M. A. (1983). A measure of styles of handling interpersonal conflict. Academy of Management Journal, 26, 368-376.]