1. What Is Conflict? Managing conflict begins with an understanding of what conflict is.

2. Conflict Is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent people who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others to achieve specific goals. (Beebe and Masterson, 2009) Other Definitions Conflict is a disagreement through which the parties involved perceive a threat to their needs, interests, or concerns. (Webne-Behrman) A fight, battle, or war; a competitive or opposing action of incompatibles; a mental struggle resulting from opposing needs; the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to dramatic action (conflict, 2009)

3. Four Elements of conflict Expressed Struggle Verbal and nonverbal expressions of disagreement Between at Least Two Interdependent People What happens to one person has an impact on others in the group Incompatible Goals, Scarce Resources, and Interference Two or more people want the same thing and both parties can’t have it Achieving a Goal The parties involved want something

4. Causes of Conflict Conflict does not just “happen” It is a result from differences between group members Personality, perception, information, culture, power, or influence differences Other sources of conflict (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Competition People believe that someone must win and someone must lose Lack of Respect Not appreciating or understanding the views of others Emotions People might take things personally

5. Misconceptions about conflict In Group Discussions, Conflict Should Be Avoided at All Costs Actually conflict can enhance learning when group members become challenged to research issues because of conflict. All Conflict Occurs Because People Do Not Understand One Another Sometimes conflicts intensify when understanding takes place. Not everyone will empathize just because they understand. All Conflict Can Be Resolved Not all conflict can be resolved, but groups should attempt to resolved conflict.

6. References Beebe, S. A., & Masterson , J. T. (2009). Communicating in small groups. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. conflict. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.Retrieved November 19, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coastal Services Center. (n.d.). Survival skills for coastal resource managers Retrieved from http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cmfp/process/conflict_causes.htm Webne-Behrman, H. Conflict resolution. Retrieved from http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/onlinetraining/resolution/index.asp