Exam 10: Managing Interpersonal Conflicts

Dysfunctional conflict in the workplace is linked to stress on the job.

Identify a long-time relationship you have with a friend or family member. Examine the communication in this relationship in terms of relational conflict styles and conflict rituals.

When is it best to use a competing conflict style?

Which conflict style exhibits the most flexibility?

Debora and Carl use different conflict styles depending on the situation they are in. What style does this demonstrate?

Which conflict style incorporates a high degree of concern for self and a low degree of concern for others?

Bill was kicked off the football team because he possesses qualities that are not supportive of the team's culture, which promotes competition. What statement did Bill likely express to the coaching staff that led to his dismissal?

Gerry is angry at his partner, Don, so he decides to give him the silent treatment. Which crazymaker is this?

People expressing their hostility in obscure, subtle, indirect ways, is called "passive aggression."

Sometimes people deliver subtle aggressive messages (involving feelings of resentment, anger, or rage that they aren't able or willing to express directly) while maintaining the front of respect. What term does psychologist George Bach use for this behaviour?

Steve and Tam have been arguing about who will stay late to fill out the policing report that needs to be completed before they can end their workday. Steve says to Tam, "I'll complete the report this time if you stay late to complete the report the next time this happens." What constructive conflict skill is Steve using?

A conflict can exist only when both parties are aware of a disagreement.

According to research on marriage and conflict, which statement best describes unhappily married couples?

What have complementary and symmetrical conflict styles been shown to produce in marital research?

Which conflict style is generally the best to use when the other person has more power than you?

Allen and Holly had their first baby this year. Holly has not been out socially for four months. Her friends call to invite her to a dinner party in her honour. She is excited to go and discusses plans with her husband that will allow her to attend. Her husband agrees to be home early that night so she can get ready and attend, but states to her, "It's OK; don't worry about me, but I will have to work through my lunch to get home" accompanied by a big sigh. Which type of fighting dirty does Allen demonstrate??

Your nursing supervisor is upset because you made a mistake. She yells, "you are a horrible nurse!" at you. What is this an example of?

Win-win solutions to conflicts are nearly impossible.

You should use the compromising conflict style when the issue is of little importance.

University students have an average of seven arguments per week. Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.