Chapter 1: The Nature of Conflict
ANSWERS TO TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. T
ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. d
SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. As students discuss their experiences with handling conflict, it is likely that many of the
addressing the conflict.
2. Students should explore the strengths and shortcomings of both the positional and
interest-based approaches to negotiation. Some examples where positional negotiation may
be preferable (though not necessarily appropriate) are negotiating for the best price with a
3. Some examples include community mediation and conflict-resolution centers that assist
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CASE FROM THE TEXT
Case: Confrontation v. Cooperation
Starting tips: Give students time to read the scenario on their own. Allow time for students to
Desired outcomes: Students should gain a perspective that identifying and utilizing a particular
approach to addressing conflict is not always easy. In this case, some elements support taking a
Suggested summary: Make the point that the choice between the positional and interest-based
approaches is seldom cut and dried.
TEST QUESTIONS
True or False questions (each worth 1 or 2 points)
__F__ 1. Of the five ways that we typically respond to conflict, compromise is the most
constructive way.
Multiple Choice (worth 2 or 3 points each)
a. Compromise, avoid, acquiesce, collaborate, compete
a. Dependent parties, incompatible interests, and competition
a. A husband and wife discussing who will do the dishes tonight
Short Answer essay questions (each worth up to 10 points)
1. State and describe the three elements necessary for a conflict to exist between two or more
parties.
Answer:
1. Interdependent parties: Each party needs something that only the other party can satisfy.
2. Incompatible interests: The parties’ wants, needs, values, and goals that represent the
3. Competition: Each party believes that his or her interests can only be met to the
2. Describe the role that perception plays in conflict and how parties can overcome perception
problems.
Answer:
Conflict often occurs and continues because the parties perceive that their interests are
incompatible. It is usually this perception that causes the parties to avoid conflict altogether,
3. Briefly describe the characteristics of the “positional” and “interest-based” approaches to
addressing conflict.
Answer:
Positional: In the positional approach the parties, to varying degrees, treat the conflict as a
Interest-based: The interest-based approach takes into consideration the underlying needs, wants,
values, and goals of the parties. In Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In,