Chapter 10
Managing Conflict and Power
Conflict and Interpersonal
Communication
Most conflicts occur between people who
know each other.
•Thus, they occur during interpersonal
communication.
What Is Conflict? (1 of 2)
Conflict occurs when people perceive
incompatible goals, scarce resources, or
interference in achieving their objectives.
What Is Conflict? (2 of 2)
Conflict
1. Begins with perception
2. Involves clashes in goals or behaviors
3. Is a process
4. Is dynamic
•Kitchen-sinking: Participant in the conflict
shifts the topic and hurls unrelated
accusations, insults
Conflict in Relationships
Conflicts typically arise from:
•Irritating partner behaviors
•Disagreements regarding relationship rules
•Personality clashes
Power and Conflict
Power:The ability to influence or control
people and events
Power’s Defining Characteristics
(1 of 2)
1. Power is always present.
•Symmetrical relationships
