October 24, 2023
Stages of Conflict
In our positions with K-State Research and Extension, we are often asked or fall into the position of helping resolve disputes or disagreements. It may be a simple solution that everyone can agree to and really does not rise to the point where an individual might become emotional.
These type of issues occur almost daily and we hardly recognize the conflict because it was addressed before becoming significant.
Handling elevated conflict is never easy and probably never done perfectly, but understanding it helps manage what can be salvaged. There are a number of training opportunities within our organization for conflict management and self-study is always recommended, but I wanted to highlight the stages of conflict to refresh memories and encourage further inquiry into conflict management.
Those that study the topic will recognize that even within the topic of conflict management there is conflict. Some say there are four stages, others say five and even others will debate there are seven. I’m going to stick with the five stages for this message.
The main point of recognizing the stages is that the earlier we recognize conflict, the more likely that the elevation of conflict may be managed. Recognizing what stage the conflict is in might provide insight on how to handle the challenge.
Here are the five stages I want to talk about:
Latent stage is the early stage that tends to be very quiet, and folks involved may not even recognize the conflict. The issues might be evident or might not. The conflict might be spontaneous or an underlying frustration.
Perceived and Felt is the second stage that can happen almost simultaneously with the first stage. Emotions are triggered during this stage when individuals begin to feel stress, anxiety and possibly become defensive.
The third stage is often known as Conflict Approach. Dependent on the individuals involved, they will each assume their personal method of handling conflict. Those methods are typically classified as compete, avoid, accommodate, compromise or collaborate, but the choice here often affects what occurs in stage four.
Stage four, Stalemate or Negotiate. This could be considered a critical stage for resolution. It is the point where parties are willing to come to some resolution or just withdraw and a standoff develops. Because bias is likely involved between parties, a non-biased mediator would be recommended when working towards negotiation.
The final stage is Aftermath, which is the result of the conflict that can be anything from a positive outcome to a not-so-positive outcome that could take on a vast number of continued consequences. I often think of conflict from a medical perspective. The sooner you can recognize the malady, the better chance you have of managing it. Even a small cut can fester and become necrotic if not treated. Alternatively, there are diseases that are still incurable.
Conflict management is a huge field with lots of research. Some of the models and theories will get into depth that just might intrigue you.