The authors define the “process view of conflict” as a series of stages. Ideally, a properly resolved conflict situation will have five distinct steps - Prelude, Triggering, Initiation, Differentiation, and Resolution.
When asked what it means to have a non-process view of communication, I don’t interpret this as meaning that none of the five phases occurred, rather that the process has been interrupted or derailed some point before the Resolution stage. When we take a non-process view of conflict in communication, the Prelude and Triggering phases may be met, but never fully evolve into Resolution.
Having never allowed the conflict situation to reach the Initiation phase can be seen as a result of “Confrontational Avoidance” or due to whats known as the “Chilling Effect”. Although it is often times better to “let sleeping dogs lie”, avoidance is often the result of a lack of confidence in the recipient.
We can change our thinking first by education ourselves as to the five phases of conflict resolution. When we are put into situations like these, now we are capable of stopping to consider what kind of outcome is most desirable in a conflict situation. Instead of storming out of the room at the Differentiation Phase, instead, we now can recognize this as just being a prelude to Resolution, rather than treating it as the final act.
-Ben
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Week 2 / Blog 1
Week 2 / Blog 1
- Yes, I would argue that the tendency towards conflict is an inborn human trait. While people can argue wether or not this “conflict”, in its various manifestations is a good thing, history has made it clearly obvious that the human species has an inclination towards dispute and disagreement.
- The question over wether this makes us more human is a difficult one to fully answer. If we were to go about life devoid of all emotions and opinions, our “human” condition would be more robotic than biological. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that those who commonly cause conflict are more human, and I wouldn’t say that people who generally tend to avoid conflict are somehow lacking either. Conflict is just a part of nature - this can be witnessed in the animal kingdom, for example. Conflict doesn’t make us “human” so much as humans make conflict.
- As chapter 1 makes clear, yes, conflict can be constructive. It is valuable because it can act as the impetus for address a troublesome situation, therefore leading to a potential resolution beneficial to both parties.
-Ben
- Yes, I would argue that the tendency towards conflict is an inborn human trait. While people can argue wether or not this “conflict”, in its various manifestations is a good thing, history has made it clearly obvious that the human species has an inclination towards dispute and disagreement.
- The question over wether this makes us more human is a difficult one to fully answer. If we were to go about life devoid of all emotions and opinions, our “human” condition would be more robotic than biological. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that those who commonly cause conflict are more human, and I wouldn’t say that people who generally tend to avoid conflict are somehow lacking either. Conflict is just a part of nature - this can be witnessed in the animal kingdom, for example. Conflict doesn’t make us “human” so much as humans make conflict.
- As chapter 1 makes clear, yes, conflict can be constructive. It is valuable because it can act as the impetus for address a troublesome situation, therefore leading to a potential resolution beneficial to both parties.
-Ben
Friday, January 27, 2012
Introductions...
Hi everyone,
Looking forward to Comm 115p! This is my second semester at SJSU, and my first semester taking any online courses. Ideally, I would have preferred an "in-person" class, but personal/professional commitments got in the way
Outside of school I really enjoy travel, in-fact, if I had the opportunity I think that's what I'd spend the first few years after college doing. Ventured off to New Zealand and Europe last year... hopefully I can keep that trend going in 2012 :)
As far as sports go, I've tried my hand at them all - Baseball, soccer, martial arts, lacrosse, even SCUBA. Out of all the different sports i've attempted, lacrosse has definitely been a favorite. For those of you who've never seen a game, think of it like a cross between hockey and soccer, but with more scoring.
I hope to take from this class new, substantive ideas on how to deal with conflict in communication. Semesters always seem to drag on for me.... but the good news is summers only 3 1/2 months away! Lets get started.
-Ben
Looking forward to Comm 115p! This is my second semester at SJSU, and my first semester taking any online courses. Ideally, I would have preferred an "in-person" class, but personal/professional commitments got in the way
Outside of school I really enjoy travel, in-fact, if I had the opportunity I think that's what I'd spend the first few years after college doing. Ventured off to New Zealand and Europe last year... hopefully I can keep that trend going in 2012 :)
As far as sports go, I've tried my hand at them all - Baseball, soccer, martial arts, lacrosse, even SCUBA. Out of all the different sports i've attempted, lacrosse has definitely been a favorite. For those of you who've never seen a game, think of it like a cross between hockey and soccer, but with more scoring.
I hope to take from this class new, substantive ideas on how to deal with conflict in communication. Semesters always seem to drag on for me.... but the good news is summers only 3 1/2 months away! Lets get started.
-Ben
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