The process of conflict resolution begins with and understanding of the causes of the conflict and recognition of the stage in which the conflict has developed. There are four stages of conflicts. Manifest conflict can be resolved by removing or correcting its antecedents. Also manifest conflict can be suppressed. In suppressing the conflict there is no change in the antecedent conditions, although the manifest conflict behaviors are controlled.
Suppression is a superficial and often temporary for of conflict resolution.
There are many types of conflict situations. Some conflict management approaches are indirect. Decoupling, taking action to eliminate or reduce the required contact between conflict parties, is an option managers may use. Buffering is another option. Buffering is building an inventory between two groups so that any output slowdown or excess is absorbed by the inventory and does not directly pressure the target group.