There are 3 categories of conflict strategies:
- Non-confrontational or yield-lose strategies: In general, this one’s purpose is to stand of the fight. The strategies approach conflict indirectly, which means that the object should avoid disagreements or downplaying controversy and sidestepping volatile issues because relationships are more important than personal goals and it must be maintained even at the high cost.
- Solution-oriented or win-win strategies: These strategies look for trades between personal and relationship goals. In other words, they seek solutions that favorably affect both the relationship and personal goals. It may be the hardest way to deal with conflict but “no pain no gain”! Using these strategies, the objects can both satisfy the goals and the relationships would not be badly affected.
- Control or win-lose strategies: This kind of method only focus on achieving personal goals while excluding relationships. Follow these strategies, the objects can reach the personal goals while making the relationships worse.
Many participants are dissatisfied with conflict outcomes because of unrealistic expectations, ignorance, and a failure to adapt communication to existing cultural differences. Productive conflicts leave participants satisfied and feeling that they have gained something: the problem is solved, the relationship is enhanced, and a new reason for working together in the future is developed.