What You Need To Know About Conflict Management

 

INTRODUCTION TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Conflict Management is critical in every facet of human relationship, therefore in this post you will be introduced to the concept of conflict, the types of conflict and various related terminologies such as; Conflict management, Conflict mediation, Conflict resolution and Conflict transformation. In this post it will be assumed that this is your first contact with the concept of conflict management and its related terminologies.

Wherever people and choices exist, there is potential for disagreement. Such differences, when handled properly can result in richer, more effective, creative solutions and interaction. But alas, it is difficult to consistently turn differences into opportunities. When disagreement is poorly dealt with, the outcome can be contention. Contention creates a sense of psychological distance between people, such as feelings of dislike, bitter antagonism, competition, alienation, and disregard. When contention is not quickly handled, it grows into becoming a conflict which will require conflict management to handle the problem.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF CONFLICT

Rethinking Conflict: Not Always a Fight Sometimes, a Gift

Let’s be honest—conflict gets a bad reputation. The word alone often makes people tense up. We think of fights, insults, cold silences, and maybe even broken friendships or war. But what if we told you that conflict isn’t always a crisis—it’s sometimes a chance to grow?

In fact, conflict is a normal, even healthy part of life. You and your closest friend won’t always agree. Your roommate may interpret situations differently. Colleagues will have clashing work styles. And yes, sometimes even you will feel torn within yourself—should I speak up or stay silent? Should I follow the crowd or stick to my values? That internal tug-of-war? That’s conflict too.

So here’s the real deal:

- Conflict is not the enemy. It’s how we handle it that makes the difference.

When managed badly, conflict can explode—breaking trust, causing stress, or even leading to violence. But when handled with empathy, respect, and good communication, it becomes a tool for clarity, deeper connection, and growth. Conflict shows us what matters. It exposes our fears, needs, and values. That’s powerful.

🔥 Conflict Isn’t Always Loud—Sometimes It’s Subtle

Sometimes conflict comes in big, obvious ways as an argument, a protest, a viral tweet. But often, it’s quieter:

A colleague who avoids you after a meeting
A partner who keeps “forgetting” things that matter to you
You, wrestling with whether to follow what feels good or what you know is right

This inner or interpersonal tension usually comes from differences—in values, needs, beliefs, perceptions, or goals. Even small misunderstandings can spiral if strong emotions are involved. Why? Because beneath every fight, there’s often a deeper emotional need:

  • To feel respected
  • To be understood
  • To feel safe
  • To be heard

And if that need is ignored? The conflict grows.

🧠 What Experts Say (And Why It Matters)

Morton Deutsch saw conflict as one action getting in the way of another—like two people pushing different buttons at the same time. But interference doesn't always mean hostility; it can mean difference.
Osita Agbu reminds us that conflict is an opportunity to change. It's not good or bad in itself—it depends on our mindset and how we respond.
Wilson and Hanna defined conflict as a struggle involving ideas, values, or limited resources—and haven’t we all seen that play out in relationships, politics, or online spaces?

Even body language and tone can turn harmless words into a trigger. If your best friend jokes, “You’re mad,” you might laugh. But if your enemy says the same words, you could flare up. Why? Because context, relationship history, and your current mood all shape how you interpret conflict.



Several authors have different definitions for conflict, but for this course we will work with a simplified definition for conflict which is that Conflict is the result of any antagonistic difference between ideas, persons or groups contending for supremacy at any given time. Let us then proceed to articulate the different types of conflict.

💡 So, What’s the Takeaway?

Conflict is inevitable. You can’t avoid it forever.
Conflict is personal. How you react depends on your upbringing, your personality, and what you value.
Conflict is manageable. If you learn how to recognise it early and respond wisely, it won’t break you but it can build you.

As students of communication, you’re not just learning how to argue better. You’re learning how to listen deeper, respond smarter, and resolve faster especially in today’s digital world where conflict can go viral in seconds.

Now that you have learned this, here are some fun assessment to help you recall your mastery of conflict management:

        1. In your own words, what does conflict mean to you? 
        2. State and discuss one of the definitions of conflict.

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