Communication & Conflict
CM310:Communication & Conflict Final Project
Communication & Conflict Final Project
The Nature of Power in Conflict:
Power can be defined in many ways. Most simply, it is the ability to get what you want.
Power is a fundamental concept in any conflict. The nature of that power can depend upon how the power is distributed, how it is viewed, and how it is used. There can be power struggles between those that feel very powerful and those that feel that they have little to no power. The different individual perceptions of power within a conflict can affect communication.
Power can be distributed in three distinct ways: distributive, designated, and integrated (Wilmot and Hocker, 2007). Distributive power comes from the ability to reach objectives over the resistance of another. Designated power is power that is given to someone because of a position (such as a politician that is voted into office to represent people in a certain area). Integrated power highlights power with another to achieve goals that are acceptable to all parties involved in the conflict. All three different forms of power can affect a conflict in several different ways.
When we look at distributive power, we can see how one person may feel like a high power person and someone feel like a person with low power. This can lead to a power imbalance which will also lead to the conflict being unbalanced.
This can lead the parties to feel that they are in an either / or circumstance and the parties may feel justified to use "dirty tricks" to muster more power in the conflict. It can also lead to one person feeling like a victim. In such a situation, communication may be hindered if one is power hungry loses sight of the actual conflict.
Things may start to be seen as a win / lose situation and the dispute becomes a struggle (Wilmot and Hocker, 2007). A person feeling that they are in a low power position may struggle with what to say and may keep
Communication & Conflict Final Project
The Nature of Power in Conflict:
Power can be defined in many ways. Most simply, it is the ability to get what you want.
Power is a fundamental concept in any conflict. The nature of that power can depend upon how the power is distributed, how it is viewed, and how it is used. There can be power struggles between those that feel very powerful and those that feel that they have little to no power. The different individual perceptions of power within a conflict can affect communication.
Power can be distributed in three distinct ways: distributive, designated, and integrated (Wilmot and Hocker, 2007). Distributive power comes from the ability to reach objectives over the resistance of another. Designated power is power that is given to someone because of a position (such as a politician that is voted into office to represent people in a certain area). Integrated power highlights power with another to achieve goals that are acceptable to all parties involved in the conflict. All three different forms of power can affect a conflict in several different ways.
When we look at distributive power, we can see how one person may feel like a high power person and someone feel like a person with low power. This can lead to a power imbalance which will also lead to the conflict being unbalanced.
This can lead the parties to feel that they are in an either / or circumstance and the parties may feel justified to use "dirty tricks" to muster more power in the conflict. It can also lead to one person feeling like a victim. In such a situation, communication may be hindered if one is power hungry loses sight of the actual conflict.
Things may start to be seen as a win / lose situation and the dispute becomes a struggle (Wilmot and Hocker, 2007). A person feeling that they are in a low power position may struggle with what to say and may keep
References: Wilmot, W., & Hocker, J. (2007). Interpersonal conflict seventh edition. New York City: McGraw Hill Publications