Committee: Styles of Conflict Three Distinct Conflict

Committee: Styles of Conflict

Three distinct conflict types are manifest in the committee's disagreement. The first is a pseudo-conflict, created because of inattention to what others are saying or conflict over irrelevant matters. The committee members interrupt one another frequently, such as when Paul interrupts Mary at the beginning of the dialogue, while she is making her case for the church to remain in its current historical location. Later in the discussion, Jennifer is reproached for wanting to see Cindy's drawings, because she expressed support for moving in the past. Her desire to have all the facts before making her final decision is seen as a betrayal, even though she is behaving in a reasonable manner.

There is also real conflict manifest in the committee's disagreement over whether to construct a new church or to remain in the current, old, historical location. However, most of the conflict between the members is rooted in ego-based conflict. Cindy wants everyone to look at her chart of her two proposals, while Paul is attempting to take control of the proceedings rather than allowing others to see Cindy's work. He tries to even block a vote to look at and consider the two proposals, and instead tries to use his position to force his point-of-view ahead. The arguments presented both for and against the proposal often manifest themselves as personal attacks, such as the comment that the only reason Mary Alice is willing to allow the church to remain at its historical location is because she is older and this is 'good enough' for her, but not for higher-income congregants.

A number of conflict management styles are manifested in the dialogue between the members. The most obvious of this is the non-confrontational style adopted by Jake, who does not speak except to get up and say that all people want to do is bicker and call one another names, so he is going home. In stark contrast to Jake, Paul uses a very controlling style. He frequently interrupts other members, and he uses personal attacks to make others feel small and inferior, such as Mary Alice because of her income status, or Adam because he is primarily known for designing restaurants not churches. Paul is particularly determined to ensure that Cindy's drawings are not seen by the committee, because this would mean that she was getting her way, and something authored by another committee member would receive preference over his own presentation of ideas. The fact that Cindy was so determined to have her drawings shown, however, shows that to a lesser degree she also manifests a somewhat controlling style, although in a far less abrasive manner than Paul.

Eric, in contrast, uses a cooperative style. Rather than aligning himself with either Cindy or Paul completely, he tries to offer an alternative approach that allows both committee members to save face and to compromise. Eric suggests an alternative approach to viewing both proposals in the form of a computer-projected visual aid. Jake similarly tries to diffuse the conflict by bringing in others (such as Eric) who are not locked in a polarized debate in the manner of Paul, Mary Alice, and Cindy.