Lesson 4: Resolution of Team Divergence

Conflict Resolution Strategies

There are five conflict resolution strategies (Ungerleider, 2008, Ting-Toomey & Chung, 2005, Hall, 2005). Each strategy has its advantages and disadvantages and each may be the preferred strategy depending on the circumstances, culture and personality of the team members. The strategies should not be considered as totally independent of one another, but rather as on a continuum of two scales - assertiveness and cooperativeness. Each of these scales is culturally based as some cultures are more assertive than others and some place the rights of the individual (less cooperative) over the rights of the group (more cooperative). Each strategy is briefly discussed below. It is best to be aware of all of the strategies to be able to recognize when would be best to use the strategy or adapt it.