Conflict Case Study

Folger, Poole and Stutman (2013) state that a conflict is “the interaction of interdependent people who perceive incompatibility and the possibility of interference from others as a result of this incompatibility” (pg. 4). Jill and Dan definitely seem to have a conflict throughout the case study. To start off their conflict, it doesn’t seem that Jill and Dan were the best at interacting with each other. It came across that Dan was just throwing Jill’s request to the side to forget about it. Along with their interaction not being great, their communication between them was not clear on what each of them needed. Jill never stated exactly when she needed her update and Dan didn’t tell her when he would have the time to formally talk to her about

A very common emotion when dealing with conflict is anger, which can be accompanied by feelings of contempt, irritation, and exasperation (Folger, Poole, & Stutman, 2013, p. 47). There is a studied and established link between the emotion of anger and the construction of possible emotional barriers which can prevent potential compromises within conflict (Halperin & Pliskin, 2015, p. 123). This barrier is evident in Jill when she does not receive the response she desires, and instead of reengaging with Dan she talks with the trustee about her issue. A barrier may have also been created with Dan when Jill came to him in person after having already received a request. This lead to a lack of communication and a lack of willingness to compromise to meet Jill’s

109). Jill initially displays a competing style by not acknowledging Dan’s conflicting priorities and offers to find her own supplier. Pruitt, Rubin and Kim (1994) found “Contending is a “softer” form of competing”. (as cited in Folger, Poole, & Stutman, 2013, p. 115) Contending provides some flexibility in the situation as long as the individual’s goals are not compromised. It is difficult with the limited history of the prior interactions between Dan and Jill to determine if this was a way to “soften” her style by offering to help as to preserve the relationship or if it was more threatening to indicate she will do what it takes to get what she needs. Dan also demonstrates a competing style by stating his priorities and not offering alternatives or working to agree on an acceptable timeline as to satisfy individual needs. The lack of communication, accommodation and collaboration between Jill and Dan prevents resolution of the