Using Conflict to Promote Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

METHODS / STRATEGIES
POWER
CONCLUSION
USE / DON'T USE

Coerce-Force / One defensive; one offensive;
emphasize differences;
judge & accuse

Imbalance (real or perceived);
attempt to retain imbalance

One yields or standoff

Emergency;
unpopular issue, fixed resources, need decision
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Need support or long-term relationship

Withdraw-Avoid / One defensive; one offensive;
emphasize differences
Imbalance (real or perceived);
attempt to retain imbalance or create new imbalance
One yields or standoff
Trivial issue; little power; nonrecurring problem; part of larger problem
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Serious issue; critical goals; recurring problem

Negotiate-Compromise / Bargain; hoard information
Relatively equal; attempt to increase relative power
Different factions agree to accept decision; all win and lose
Mutually exclusive goals of moderate importance; balanced power; focused on roles
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Early in problem; need more information

Accommodate-Oblige / Share all information, clarify all disagreements; equalize input
Relatively equal; attempt to further equalize power
Overt agreement; covert disagreement
When wrong; need social credits; goals not critical; to promote member responsibility
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Issue important to team and relationships
Collaborate-Integrate / Openly present problems; use all power strategies; balance conflict & cooperation
Universal and unequal; members free to get more power; team controls power for decision making
Comprehensive solution & re-evaluation
Critical needs & goals; ill-defined problem; need commitment
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No time; no trust
© Drinka, TJK and Clark, PG (2000). Health Care Teamwork: Interdisciplinary Practice and Teaching. Westport CT, Auburn House.