Tactics of Conflict- Communication Class - Case Study Example

At any moment of the day, you might have to deal with the arguments of your lover, the intransigence of a friend, or the unreasonableness of parents. This case study will explore the different tactics in different cases that have been encountered through personal experiences in reference to the communication of the participants found in this chapter Avoidance The tactic of avoidance in interpersonal relationships has its own place and time to do, and also not to do. According to Wilmot and Hocker (2007) “Avoidance can supply time to think of some other response to conflict” (p.139) since some people basically need time to deliberate how they deal with a problem since not all individuals can deal with conflicts decisively.

On the other hand, Wilmot and Hocker (2007) also explain that “Avoidance tends to demonstrate to other people that one does not care enough to confront them and gives the impression that one cannot change” (p.139). Usually when the matter is of a very serious concern, avoiding the conflict would not be considered helpful on the long run. Here is an example scenario made by Wilmot and Hocker (2007): Brent: There is something bothering me. Janette: I’m way too stressed to talk about anything now.

Brent: I’m upset about what you said about me at the party. Janette: You’re picking on me. Leave me alone! Another time! Brent: When are we going to talk about things that bug me? You never want to talk if I’m upset. Janette: You aren’t respecting what I told you about my stress. I’m going for a walk. See you later. (pp. 134-135) It could be understood that Brent wants to decisively be upfront with a problem to Janette. On the other side, Janette does not want to confront the matter immediately.

She likely wants to avoid that issue either to deal with when she is ready, or just wants let the problem pass by without further fussing. Either way, both individuals will not see the problem together eye to eye. The tactics of avoidance is one that involves verbal denials, topic evading, indirect or misdirecting remarks, or just pushing back or away the matter. If the problem is nothing serious, avoidance is helpful. But if the matter is serious, avoidance would not solve the conflict at all.

Competition Unlike the shying away game of avoidance, competition is straight forward in dealing with conflict. Competition by Wilmot and Hocker (2007) “is characterized by aggressive and uncooperative behavior-pursuing your own concerns at the expense of others” (p.145). This tactic is usually in favor for those who prefer in dealing with conflicts in a very direct and dominating manner. The advantage pointed out by Wilmot and Hocker (2007) that “Competition can be appropriate and useful when one has to make a quick, decisive action, such as in an emergency… It is useful if the external goal is more important than the relationship with the other person, such as in a short term non-repeating relationships” (p.145). Wilmot and Hocker (2007) make this case example: A human service agency competes with others for grant money from United Way.

A limited amount is available, so the best proposal for solving a human service problem will be funded. The director of the agency