(image via Google)

Competing: What Is It?

Competing is the most confrontational method of conflict resolution, and it involves fighting for your interests until your opposition gives up. It should be noted that this is not necessarily a negative approach to solving a conflict, and does not mean you are mean or rude to the other party. Fighting for your interests can include logical arguments and/or emotional appeals.

Why Use It?

When your interests in the conflict are vital, this method is useful. It involves digging in your heels and refusing to budge. You commit to winning at all costs.

This method can be useful if the relationship with the other party is not important to you. Either you will likely not be in conflict with this person again, or your interests are so important that you are ok with burning bridges.

Depending on the conflict resolution style chosen by your opposition and your relationship with them, this can potentially end a conflict quickly. If you compete with someone who is accommodating, they will likely give in to you quickly rather than fight back, expecting that you will yield to them in a future conflict when your interests aren't as strong.

In patriarchal cultures men are typically expected to use this method most often, while women may be discouraged. In a future article series, I'll explore in more detail how gender roles influence conflict resolution styles.