In reality, these types are mixed and hard to distinguish. Also, people understand types differently. Explain that conflict may start as a result of a data or information problem, but it can change to include interest or relationship. Explain that this exercise will provide the participants with an opportunity to identify and analyze a conflict as a way of using the information that has just been covered. Ask each participant individually to analyze the conflict according to questions on the handout and write down their responses.
Few conflicts are solely of one origin.
Conflicts that relate to data, interests, or relationships are typically easier to negotiate. Conflicts escalate and de-escalate as a result of certain behavior initiated by the parties involved. Different skills and techniques are appropriate for dealing with different types of conflicts. To set the stage for this, we need to look briefly at the emerging field of conflict resolution and some of the basic assumptions of the conflict resolution approach. As a field, it started in labor management and human relations.