Avoidance - Accommodation - Competition - Compromise

Avoidance - Accommodation - Competition - Compromise - Collaboration

Five Problem Solving Methods

Avoidance: I ignore or refuse to acknowledge the existence of conflict.

As a result, " I lose - you lose," because nothing can be done about it.

Accommodation: I do what you want in order to satisfy your needs or wants.

As a result, "I lose - you win," because I had to give up what I wanted or needed.

Competition: Either you or I will win, but not both of us. This is a form of fighting.

As a result, "I win - you lose," because only one can win.

Compromise: You and I both give up part of what we wanted or needed to settle the problem.

As a result, "I win some- you win some," because we were both will to give a little.

Collaboration: You and I work together to find an agreeable solution to the problem.

As a result, "I win - you win," because we were willing to work together.

Collaboration is the best method for solving all problems!

Reference

Thomas, Kenneth, (1976). Handbook of Industrial & Organizational Psychology, "Conflict & Conflict Management." Chicago: Rand McNally.

Options Unlimited (1990). Mediation.

Other Mediation Articles

Dispute Resolution Continuum

Stages of Mediation