 Conflict Strategies Inventory
 Second Edition
Objective - To identify and manage preferred conflict strategies
Intended For - Individuals at all levels
Time Required - One (1) hour
Each Program Trains - Any number of participants
Some people thrive on conflict; others shrink away from it. But no matter how we react, it’s important that we understand our conflict-related behavior — and learn to manage it more successfully.
The Conflict Strategies Inventory Second Edition gives participants valuable new insights into the strategies they use in conflict situations. Presented with 10 short cases of typical, work-related conflict, (see samples) respondents choose the actions they are most likely to take — actions that are indicative of 5 basic conflict strategies:
 Avoiding
- Smoothing
- Competing
- Compromising
- Integrating
Learning Outcomes
- Identify one’s own preferred strategies for dealing with conflict
- Understand strengths and weaknesses in dealing with conflict
- Learn how to deal with conflict effectively
Theory
The Conflict Strategies Inventory Second Edition combines the works of Robert Blake and Jane Mouton, M. Afzalur Rahim, and many other respected researchers in the area of conflict management. It is based on 5 conflict strategies that are adapted from the conflict styles originally named by Mouton and Blake.
5 Conflict Strategies
- Avoiding: Staying away from or withdrawing from a conflict.
- Smoothing: Giving in to the other party and ignoring one’s own goals.
- Competing: Forcing an issue to one’s own way.
- Compromising: Giving in on one need in order to get another satisfied.
- Integrating: Focusing on one mutually satisfying outcome.
These strategies can be described in terms of two stages of a conflict encounter: Non-Compatible Goals and Outcomes.
How It Works
Individuals respond to 10 conflict-oriented work situations presented in the inventory. For each situation, individuals choose 3 out of 5 strategies and rank them in order of most likely reaction to third most likely reaction, using a pressure-sensitive form. The Participant Guide provides further insight with interpretive data and questions for discussion. Ultimately, the CSI results allow individuals to view their preferred strategies and help them to consider modifying conflict strategies where appropriate.
Uses for Conflict Strategies Inventory
This instrument is designed for people who have had or currently have problems dealing with conflict in the workplace. The CSI is particularly useful in management development and teambuilding activities prior to the introduction of specific conflict management skills.
Other uses for the CSI:
- Develop new approaches or solutions
- Bring long-standing problems out into the open
- Clarify thoughts and feelings
- Stimulate interest and creativity
- Stretch personal capabilities
What to Order/Product Contents
Order 1 Facilitator Guide per facilitator and 1 Participant Guide per participant.
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