Effective communication is central to the constructive management of conflict. Recognition of the psychological and social roles of the participants is necessary for effective management of conflict. These roles, which are learned through social interaction, can be revised over time. Face-saving and reciprocity are important to humans. For conflict to be managed successfully, people must perceive that they got something from the exchange and that they were not unilaterally at fault.
People change, memories change, and relationships change over time.
Understanding the distribution of power, who has it, how it is used, and what the effects are of using that power is critical to managing conflict effectively. Any change in one part of a system has consequences for other parts of the system as well as for the system as a whole. Attention to process as well as content is essential to successful management of conflict.