The, “phase theory starts with the assumption that conflict unfolds in fairly predictable ways over a period of time and progresses through recognizable stages of interaction,” (Cahn, 2007). This cyclic theory presents the idea that certain phases of conflict can be foreseen making it possible to prepare and apply strategies that can resolve conflicts more quickly and peacefully. Effective conflict communication is presented in five phases (prelude to conflict, triggering event, initiation, differentiation, resolution) which when paired with the correct devices can present a harmonious solution.
The first stage is the prelude to conflict; this stage focuses on the participants involved in the situation, their relationship, third parties interested in the conflict, and finally the environment. When considering the participants, factors such as age, gender, and number of people in the conflict. The relationship between those in the argument also has factors such as, “Are the participants in a hierarchical or equal relationship? How well do they know each other, both in breadth and depth of knowledge? Does one tend to dominate the other? How have they handled conflict in the past” (Cahn, 2007). The third parties in the confrontation are often seen as having a calming effect, although sometimes they can perpetuate the argument. Even the environment plays a part on how conflicts may play out. Having an understanding of these factors gives a communicative advantage, in that being prepared for such dynamics allows those in the quarrel to predict the direction each participant will take the situation.
The second stage known as the triggering event also known as a stimulus, “is a behavior that at least one person in the conflict points to as the “beginning” of the problem” (Cahn, 2007). This can be triggered by certain behaviors in another such as: a rebuff, illegitimate demands, criticism, noncumulative annoyance, cumulative annoyance, and even mutual cumulative annoyance. This stage is important because it not only imposes the conflict, but it can be seen as a precaution to avoid certain triggering behaviors such as those above. Learning how to communicate without initiating such behaviors can eliminate many disagreements.
The third stage known as “the initiation phase or response occurs when at least one person makes known to the other that a conflict exists, such as reacting to another's upsetting comment, pointing out the offensive nature of the other's behavior” (Cahn, 2007). This is the first stage where use of certain conflict management devices becomes an obvious and desired tool to overcome disputes. One such device is known was the feeling statement, which is a description of one’s feelings. This is a good device to use because it gives the other person an opportunity to consider the feelings of the other; it’s not so much an attack but a calm presentation of another’s pain. It’s also good at this point to utilize anger controllers such as S-TLC, because it allows each member to communication without letting emotions such as anger and pain to dictate the argument.
The “differentiation phase or ongoing interaction pattern occurs when the participants use constructive or destructive strategies and tactics, presenting both sides of the story, moving back and forth, and escalating and de-escalating” (Cahn, 2007). This is the phase that is most important to wrap up quickly, allowing the problem to escalate and go unresolved for days, weeks or sometimes even longer than that can be a mess. For issues that go unresolved for too long devices like mediation can be a strong asset to the feud, as it allows a third party to intervene by providing a social environment in which each party can feel open to discuss the problem. Another device popular in this phase is compromise. This is important because if both parties refuse to concede and admit to rights and wrongs, providing a resolution that balances on middle ground can sometimes resolve the problem as neither party fully wins or loses the debate. Each member gives a little, and each member takes a little.
The final phase is the resolution phase which is when the involved parties agree to an outcome for matter at hand. While a best case scenario is that the resolution be win-win for both parties involved, it doesn’t always work out like that. Sometimes a resolution doesn’t even mean it’s over, as resolution can happen in two different orientations: “resolution (the participants never have to deal with the issue again) or management (the parties have dealt with the issue for now, but not to the satisfaction of all the parties involved, so the issue may come up again in the future)” (Cahn 2007). The management solution often means that one party is still dissatisfied with the conclusion which will be revisited. Resolutions can be achieved through devices such as providing a nurturing conflict environment where each party feels comfortable enough to truly voice their opinions and feelings in order to reach a desired outcome.
Using conflict devices throughout the five stages of effective conflict communication is the best course to reach a sound and peaceful conclusion to an argument. Grasping the factors involved in the prelude to a conflict is important if conflict is to be avoided. Responding accurately to the triggering event can also avoid a full blown controversy. Effectively ending the differentiation period in a timely manner can be achieved by using conflict management devices. Reaching the resolution can sometimes only be a temporary solution, in order to avoid discussion of the conflict later on each party needs to fully feel content in the outcome. Communication is necessary factor when it comes to conflict resolution. Without proper communication, a resolution would never arise.
The first stage is the prelude to conflict; this stage focuses on the participants involved in the situation, their relationship, third parties interested in the conflict, and finally the environment. When considering the participants, factors such as age, gender, and number of people in the conflict. The relationship between those in the argument also has factors such as, “Are the participants in a hierarchical or equal relationship? How well do they know each other, both in breadth and depth of knowledge? Does one tend to dominate the other? How have they handled conflict in the past” (Cahn, 2007). The third parties in the confrontation are often seen as having a calming effect, although sometimes they can perpetuate the argument. Even the environment plays a part on how conflicts may play out. Having an understanding of these factors gives a communicative advantage, in that being prepared for such dynamics allows those in the quarrel to predict the direction each participant will take the situation.
The second stage known as the triggering event also known as a stimulus, “is a behavior that at least one person in the conflict points to as the “beginning” of the problem” (Cahn, 2007). This can be triggered by certain behaviors in another such as: a rebuff, illegitimate demands, criticism, noncumulative annoyance, cumulative annoyance, and even mutual cumulative annoyance. This stage is important because it not only imposes the conflict, but it can be seen as a precaution to avoid certain triggering behaviors such as those above. Learning how to communicate without initiating such behaviors can eliminate many disagreements.
The third stage known as “the initiation phase or response occurs when at least one person makes known to the other that a conflict exists, such as reacting to another's upsetting comment, pointing out the offensive nature of the other's behavior” (Cahn, 2007). This is the first stage where use of certain conflict management devices becomes an obvious and desired tool to overcome disputes. One such device is known was the feeling statement, which is a description of one’s feelings. This is a good device to use because it gives the other person an opportunity to consider the feelings of the other; it’s not so much an attack but a calm presentation of another’s pain. It’s also good at this point to utilize anger controllers such as S-TLC, because it allows each member to communication without letting emotions such as anger and pain to dictate the argument.
The “differentiation phase or ongoing interaction pattern occurs when the participants use constructive or destructive strategies and tactics, presenting both sides of the story, moving back and forth, and escalating and de-escalating” (Cahn, 2007). This is the phase that is most important to wrap up quickly, allowing the problem to escalate and go unresolved for days, weeks or sometimes even longer than that can be a mess. For issues that go unresolved for too long devices like mediation can be a strong asset to the feud, as it allows a third party to intervene by providing a social environment in which each party can feel open to discuss the problem. Another device popular in this phase is compromise. This is important because if both parties refuse to concede and admit to rights and wrongs, providing a resolution that balances on middle ground can sometimes resolve the problem as neither party fully wins or loses the debate. Each member gives a little, and each member takes a little.
The final phase is the resolution phase which is when the involved parties agree to an outcome for matter at hand. While a best case scenario is that the resolution be win-win for both parties involved, it doesn’t always work out like that. Sometimes a resolution doesn’t even mean it’s over, as resolution can happen in two different orientations: “resolution (the participants never have to deal with the issue again) or management (the parties have dealt with the issue for now, but not to the satisfaction of all the parties involved, so the issue may come up again in the future)” (Cahn 2007). The management solution often means that one party is still dissatisfied with the conclusion which will be revisited. Resolutions can be achieved through devices such as providing a nurturing conflict environment where each party feels comfortable enough to truly voice their opinions and feelings in order to reach a desired outcome.
Using conflict devices throughout the five stages of effective conflict communication is the best course to reach a sound and peaceful conclusion to an argument. Grasping the factors involved in the prelude to a conflict is important if conflict is to be avoided. Responding accurately to the triggering event can also avoid a full blown controversy. Effectively ending the differentiation period in a timely manner can be achieved by using conflict management devices. Reaching the resolution can sometimes only be a temporary solution, in order to avoid discussion of the conflict later on each party needs to fully feel content in the outcome. Communication is necessary factor when it comes to conflict resolution. Without proper communication, a resolution would never arise.
Source
Cahn, D.D., and Abigail, R.A. (2007). Managing conflict through communication
(3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.
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