The Difference between Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management?

What is the difference between conflict resolution and conflict management?

Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management both deal with disagreements, but they differ in purpose, approach, and outcome. And it’s important to clarify because people often use the two terms interchangeably when in fact they mean different things.



Conflict Resolution

  • Definition: Conflict resolution is the process of addressing the root causes of conflict and working toward a solution that satisfies all parties, often leading to the end of the conflict.

  • Goal: To reach a permanent or long-term solution that resolves the disagreement.

  • Approach: It involves negotiation, mediation, compromise, or collaboration to reach an agreement.

  • Example (Workplace): Two colleagues are fighting over project credit. Through mediation, they both acknowledge each other’s contributions and agree on joint recognition. The conflict ends.

  • Example (Community): Two families in a neighbourhood dispute land boundaries. With legal mediation and dialogue, they arrive at a signed settlement.

Conflict Management

  • Definition: Conflict management is the process of minimising the negative impacts of conflict and keeping it under control, especially when it cannot be fully resolved.

  • Goal: To contain the conflict and make it less destructive while maintaining working relationships.

  • Approach: Focuses on communication, tolerance, and strategies to prevent escalation rather than complete resolution.

  • Example (Workplace): In a diverse team, cultural misunderstandings arise frequently. Instead of resolving each clash permanently, the manager sets ground rules for communication and keeps disagreements from derailing work.

  • Example (Diplomacy): Two countries with historic border disputes may not resolve them fully, but they sign agreements to manage trade, travel, and security to avoid war.

Key Difference in Simple Terms:

  • Conflict Resolution = Finding a solution that ends the conflict.

  • Conflict Management = Keeping the conflict from escalating and finding ways to live or work with it.

👉 In practice, not all conflicts can be resolved, but they can almost always be managed. Professionalism requires knowing when to aim for resolution and when to manage for stability and cooperation.


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