Constructive and Destructive Approaches to Conflict

Topic : Conflict

Area of Concern	Constructive Approach	Destructive Approach
Issues	Raises & clarifies issues	Brings up old issues
Feelings	Expresses both positive & negative feelings	Expresses only negative feelings
Information	Complete and honest information	Selective information
Focus	Conflict focuses on issue	Conflict focuses on person
Blame	Accepts mutual blame	Blames other person(s) for problem
Perception	Focuses on similarities	Focuses on differences
Change	Facilitates change to prevent stagnation	Minimizes change, increasing conflict
Outcome	Both win	One wins, one loses; or both lose
Intimacy	Resolving conflict increases intimacy	Escalating conflict decreases intimacy

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