Avoidance

Definition

Avoidance is a conflict management strategy characterized by a deliberate decision to ignore or withdraw from conflict situations. This approach can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding confrontation, procrastinating in addressing issues, or sidestepping discussions altogether. While it may temporarily reduce stress or tension, avoidance can lead to unresolved problems and lingering resentment in the long run.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Avoidance can be useful in situations where the conflict is trivial or when the potential damage from engaging outweighs the benefits of addressing it.
2. This strategy often leads to unresolved issues that can resurface later, potentially escalating conflicts into more significant problems.
3. People may resort to avoidance due to fear of confrontation, lack of confidence, or a desire to maintain relationships at all costs.
4. In organizational settings, consistent avoidance can undermine teamwork and create a culture where issues are swept under the rug instead of addressed openly.
5. While avoidance may provide short-term relief from conflict, it is generally not sustainable and can contribute to decreased morale and productivity in the long run.

Review Questions

• How does avoidance as a conflict management strategy affect team dynamics in an organization?
  • Avoidance can have detrimental effects on team dynamics because it prevents open communication and the resolution of underlying issues. When team members avoid confronting conflicts, tensions may build, leading to misunderstandings and resentment. This lack of communication can hinder collaboration and trust among team members, ultimately impacting overall team performance and morale.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of using avoidance as a primary strategy for managing conflicts within an organization.
  • Using avoidance as a primary conflict management strategy can lead to significant long-term implications such as unresolved disputes that fester over time, negatively impacting workplace relationships. As issues remain unaddressed, they can escalate into larger conflicts that disrupt workflow and decrease overall organizational effectiveness. This reliance on avoidance can create a culture where employees feel disengaged or unsupported, further hampering productivity and innovation.
• In what ways can an organization encourage healthier conflict management styles in place of avoidance among its employees?
  • An organization can promote healthier conflict management styles by providing training on effective communication and conflict resolution techniques. Encouraging a culture of openness where employees feel safe expressing their concerns can help reduce reliance on avoidance. Implementing regular team-building activities and fostering an environment that values feedback can also empower employees to address conflicts directly and collaboratively rather than avoiding them altogether.

Related terms

conflict resolution: The methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of conflict and retribution.

collaboration:

A conflict management style that emphasizes working together to find a mutually beneficial solution for all parties involved.

accommodation: A conflict resolution strategy where one party concedes to the wishes or demands of another party to maintain harmony.