Think of a recent (within the last 6 months) interpersonal conflict that you have a personal connection to, and use the definition of conflict in the Wilmot & Hocker text (mentioned below) to identify the following elements:
Expressed struggle
Interdependent Parties
Incompatible Goal(s)
Scarce Resource(s)
Interference
Paper Specs (Specifications)
Put your name and word count in the upper left corner of the paper (100-300 words).
Include an introduction and a conclusion paragraph.
According to Wilmot and Hocker, conflict is defined as “an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals.” This definition highlights several key elements:
Expressed struggle: Conflict involves a communication process where the parties express their disagreement or differences.
Interdependence: The parties involved are connected in such a way that the actions of one affect the other.
Perceived incompatible goals: The parties believe that their goals or interests are mutually exclusive or cannot be achieved simultaneously.
Scarce resources: There is a perception that the resources necessary to achieve their goals are limited.
Interference: The parties perceive that others are blocking or interfering with their ability to achieve their goals.
This comprehensive definition helps to understand the multifaceted nature of conflict and the various factors that can contribute to its occurrence and escalation.