Conflict Management Styles Assessment

Keep in mind that one style of conflict management is not necessarily better than another; each style has pros and cons, and each can be useful depending on the situation. This assessment is intended to help you identify your typical response to conflict, with the goal that when you encounter future conflicts, you will be aware of not only your instinctive reaction, but also the pros and cons of that reaction for the specific situation.

Furthermore, you will also be aware of the other styles of conflict management that you could draw on to resolve the situation, if one of the other styles is more appropriate for the current situation.

Instructions

The 15 statements below correspond to the five conflict management styles. After scoring, the style with the highest score indicates your most commonly used strategy. The one with the lowest score indicates your least preferred strategy. However, all styles have pros and cons, so it’s important that you can use the most appropriate style for each conflict situation.

1.I discuss issues with others to try to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

2.I try to negotiate and use a give-and-take approach to problem situations.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

3.I try to meet the expectations of others.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

4.I would argue my case and insist on the advantages of my point of view.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

5.When there is a disagreement, I gather a much information as I can and keep the lines of communication open.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

6.When I find myself in an argument, I usually say very little and try to leave as soon as possible.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

7.I try to see conflicts from both sides. What do I need? What does the other person need? What are the issues involved?

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

8.I prefer to compromise when solving problems and just move on.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

9.I find conflicts exhilarating; I enjoy the battle of wits that usually follows.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

10.Being in a disagreement with other people makes me feel uncomfortable and anxious.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

11.I try to meet the wishes of my friends and family.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

12.I can figure out what needs to be done and I am usually right.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

13.To break deadlock, I would meet people halfway.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

14.I may not get what I want but it’s a small price to pay for keeping the peace.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

15.I avoid hard feelings by keeping my disagreements with others to myself.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely