Constructive Vs. Destructive Conflict Styles

Conflict can be a source of frustration, even destruction. However, if channeled properly, constructive conflict can generate win-win situations. These conflict styles morph into each other, depending on the circumstances. Knowledge of conflict and controversy dynamics will be in demand as long as people interact.

Destructive Conflict

Conflict is typically seen as “bad." This is in reference to destructive conflict. Battles, petty arguments, drug and turf wars, and rants and raves fall into this category.

Constructive Conflict

Two people compete for government money—one advocates cancer research, the other for charity. As they go back and forth, pointing out the flaws in each other’s persuasive attempts, a truly optimal solution is found—hence the “constructive” modifier.

Perception Differences

Boundaries between constructive and destructive conflicts are occasionally blurred. Criticizing another’s effort in purely objective, civil and well-intended fashion can come off as a personal, destructive, attack.

Changing Conflict Style

Just as attempts at constructive conflict can degenerate into petty arguments, so can classically “tense” situations be diffused into a less damaging situation.

Use and Application

Any team effort, whether in advertising or physics, is likely to entail arguments, “politics" and controversy on some level. Understanding constructive/destructive conflict is useful in making the best of each other’s whims and imperfections.

References

• Pivotal Network: Conflict—Constructive and Destructive
• Cooperative Learning Center Of The University of Minnesota: Conflict Resolution
• University of Colorado at Boulder: Constructive Conflict Resolution—Principles, Training, Research

Resources

• Teacher’s College, Graduate School of Education, Colombia University: Conflict Resolution--Preface