Please see instruction.
Write a 2 page article on interpersonal conflict. Define conflict and explain how
communication behaviors and individual differences contribute to interpersonal conflict.
Recommend a strategy for resolving interpersonal conflict.
Suppose you have been asked to write an article on interpersonal conflict for a local
organization with which you are affiliated. You may choose any type of interpersonal
conflict, such as between spouses, among family members, between members of a
social group, or other, but your focus must be interpersonal conflict.
Instruction:
1. What Is Conflict?
○ Define conflict in your own words.
○ Explain why conflict is a natural and common part of life.
2. Why Does Conflict Occur?
○ Discuss the reasons conflict arises, including differences in
perspectives, belief systems, and values.
○ Provide examples of common conflicts you might encounter in
daily life (e.g., disagreements with friends, family, or
classmates).
3. Preventing Conflict
○ Suggest ways to prevent conflict from escalating.
○ Highlight the importance of good communication and
understanding different viewpoints.
4. Learning From Conflict
○ Reflect on the potential benefits of experiencing conflict.
○ Explain how handling conflict well can improve relationships
and personal growth.
5. Transforming Conflict From Negative to Positive
○ Describe the difference between constructive and destructive
conflict.
○ Explain “the four horsemen” of destructive conflict as described
by Hocker, Berry, and Wilmot (2022): criticizing, defensiveness,
stonewalling, and contempt.
○ Provide strategies for transforming conflict into a positive
experience. Focus on constructive behaviors such as clear
communication, active listening, and empathy.
6. Communication Behaviors in Conflict
○ Discuss the four paradigms of communication described by
Krauss and Morsella (as cited in Coleman, Deutsch, & Marcus,
2014): encoding/decoding, intentionalist, perspective-taking,
and dialogic.
○ Explain how these communication behaviors can help in
managing and resolving conflicts.
Format
● Your paper should be 2 pages long, double-spaced, and written in a clear,
concise manner.
● Use APA format for citations and references.
● Include a title page and a references page (these do not count towards the
page limit).
Competencies Measured:
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in
the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
● Competency 2: Apply theoretical perspectives on conflict.
○ Define conflict.
○ Describe communication behaviors that can lead to conflict.
● Competency 3: Apply appropriate strategies to reduce or resolve conflicts.
○ Recommend a strategy to resolve interpersonal conflict.
● Competency 4: Analyze the impact of conflict on relationship building in
face-to-face, virtual, cyber, and group communication.
○ Explain how communication behaviors affect interpersonal
relationships.
○ Explain how individual differences contribute to interpersonal
conflict.
● Competency 6: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
○ Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate APA
format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
