In light of the Littleton, Colorado school shooting and others across the United States, the need for learning and practicing conflict resolution is absolutely necessary. In this chapter, I tried to emphasize that conflict is expressed through verbal or nonverbal action and that the key to appropriate resolution and mediation is also through communication. Conflict involves interdependence , that is, the two people will interact again and again. Conflict is expressed in words or actions, not kept to oneself. Conflict involves incompatible goals , such as complete control of an oil field or the other person's defeat.
Conflict can be an aid to better communication.
Levels of Conflict Conflict takes many forms. Communication can help or hinder conflict. Communication can change conflict because we cannot be quite sure what the other person will do or say. Interpersonal Conflict Braiker and Kelley identified three kinds of interpersonal conflict. Behavioral conflict involves actions or tastes of one person that the other dislikes.