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Unit 8: Communication and Conflict

Stage 5: Conflict Outcome Notes

The interactions of the conflicting parties in the manifest-conflict stage result in outcomes
that can be functional or dysfunctional for one or both parties. As conflict proceeds through
these stages, a functional resolution becomes difficult. The concerned parties become certain
about their positions and convinced that the conflict is a win–lose situation, as shown in
Figure 8.3. It is easier to achieve positive collaboration and win–win outcomes when the
conflict is recognized early, before frustration and other negative sentiments set in.

Draw a flow chart to show the stages of conflicts.

8.9 Outcomes of Conflict

In a conflict between two parties, the result of the conflict can be discussed in terms of win–
lose dynamics as shown in Figure 8.3. In Figure 8.3, the two dimensions are what a person
wants for self and what they want for the other person. The outcomes can be defined in terms
of either winning or losing for self and winning or losing for the other person.
Figure 8.3: Win–Lose Dynamics

Win Win–win Win–lose
I Want to

Lose Lose–win Lose–lose

Win Lose
I Want you to

The final outcomes can be defined in terms of:
Win–win: I want to win, and I want you also to win.
Win–lose: I want to win, but I want you to lose.
Lose–win: I want to lose, but I want you to win.
Lose–lose: I want to lose, and I want you to lose.
Though it is alright to dichotomize the outcome possibilities in terms of “win” and “lose,”
in real-life situations, there is at least another possible outcome like “draw,” or “no win,
no loss,” for both the parties. Many compromises and “give-and-take” strategies are aimed
at reaching this middle point where no clear-cut winner or loser emerges.
Self Assessment
Multiple choice questions:
1. Communications which flow from superiors to the subordinates are known as ..................
communication.
(a) upward (b) horizontal
(c) downward (d) external

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