Avoidance

Definition

Avoidance is a conflict resolution strategy that involves sidestepping or withdrawing from a conflict situation rather than addressing it directly. This approach can manifest as ignoring the issue, delaying discussions, or physically leaving the situation. While avoidance can sometimes provide temporary relief from tension, it often leads to unresolved issues that may resurface later, creating more significant problems down the line.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Avoidance can be useful in situations where the conflict is trivial or when emotions are running high, allowing time for tempers to cool.
2. While avoidance may reduce immediate stress, it does not lead to resolution and can result in lingering resentment or frustration among parties involved.
3. People may choose avoidance due to fear of confrontation, lack of confidence in their ability to handle the conflict, or simply not valuing the relationship enough to address issues directly.
4. Avoidance can be detrimental in long-term relationships, as ongoing issues are left unaddressed and can escalate over time.
5. In workplace settings, consistent avoidance of conflict can lead to a toxic environment, decreased morale, and reduced productivity.

Review Questions

• How does avoidance as a conflict resolution strategy impact relationships over time?
  • Avoidance can create a negative impact on relationships because unresolved conflicts tend to linger and can grow more significant over time. When parties consistently sidestep issues, resentment builds, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust. Ultimately, this strategy can undermine relationships as underlying problems remain unaddressed, causing long-term damage that could have been mitigated through direct communication.
• Compare and contrast avoidance with collaboration as conflict resolution strategies. What are the potential outcomes of each?
  • Avoidance and collaboration are fundamentally different approaches to handling conflict. Avoidance leads to unresolved issues and potential buildup of resentment, while collaboration aims for a win-win solution where all parties feel heard and valued. The outcome of avoidance often results in continued tension and dissatisfaction, while effective collaboration fosters stronger relationships and enhances mutual understanding, promoting a healthier environment for future interactions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of avoidance in conflict resolution scenarios. Under what circumstances might it be considered appropriate, and when could it be harmful?
  • The effectiveness of avoidance depends on the context of the conflict. It may be appropriate in minor disputes where addressing the issue could lead to unnecessary tension or when parties need time to cool off before engaging in discussion. However, if used frequently or in significant conflicts, avoidance can be harmful as it prevents resolution and allows issues to fester, leading to larger problems. Ultimately, evaluating when to avoid versus when to confront is critical for healthy conflict management.

Related terms

collaboration: A conflict resolution strategy where parties work together to find a mutually beneficial solution to a disagreement.

compromise: A conflict resolution approach in which each party makes concessions to reach an agreement.

accommodation: A strategy where one party prioritizes the needs of the other, often at the expense of their own interests, to maintain harmony.