Introduction
To begin with, it is necessary to mention that the types of adult conflicts vary essentially. Originally, it is regarded as the opposition of the points of view, needs, requirements, values, or interests. It is a concept that is claimed to explain numerous aspects of human life, including social disagreement, conflicts of interests, and fights between individuals, groups, or organizations. Westerfield (2003) states the following: “Without a clear social arrangement, conflicts in the social sphere may be the result of stress or tensions. Ifs some interpersonal conflict occurs, the effect of this conflict is often broader than two persons involved, and can influence lots of associate personalities and relationships, in a more or less adverse way.”
Analysis
From the point of view of the definition of the conflict, it is necessary to point out that there may be several types of interpersonal conflicts. Generally speaking, they differ in the means of responding to the opponent and the behavior of the opponents. As for the represented case study, it should be stated that three persons have appeared in the conflict situation. The fact is that there are no clear types of conflicts, as the types are mixed, and the parts of the conflict change their attitude towards each other and towards the conflict itself. (Unit 5)
There are two sub-conflicts in the allover conflict: Marry – Lenny and Marry – Mike. There is no conflict between Mike and Lenny, as Marry is the defending barrier for Lenny. The conflict between Mary and Lenny may be regarded as Accommodating: Mary forgives Lenny and softens his punishment (makes him concessions). Lenny, in his turn, promises not to come home late or call if he is going to be late. Originally, this may be regarded as a compromise, especially taking into account that both are telling the truth:
‑ Next time, I’ll call, I promise. I really don’t have to be home at 10 for the next four Saturday nights, do I? I’ll do whatever you want around the house. I’ll rake the leaves; I’ll take out the trash; I’ll even mow the lawn—just let me come home late, okay, Mom?”
‑ Oh, okay, honey,” she lovingly said to Lenny, “we can forget about it this time. Please, though, call the next time you know you are going to be late.”
The conflict between Mary and Mike may be regarded as avoiding or collaborating. Mary wishes to avoid all the conflicts and makes her best to do that, especially with Mike. She does not want him to interfere in her conflicts with Lenny. Mike wishes to be collaborating and help Mary to raise Lenny. However, he does not realize that his wish originates more and more conflicts. (Unit 5)
As for the issues of flexibility, it should be stated that principally new types of relations within their family could arise if everyone expressed more flexibility in the appearing conflicts. The solution to the conflicts could be more constructive if everyone realized the requirements and wishes of the other members of the family, thus, changing their behavior in order to avoid at least similar conflicts. Thus, Mike should not really interrupt, Marry may be severer to Lenny, and Lenny, in his turn, just should not make his mother worry. (Unit 5)
References
Koerner, A. F., & Fitzpatrick, M. A. (2002). You Never Leave Your Family in a Fight: The Impact of Family of Origin on Conflict-Behavior in Romantic Relationships. Communication Studies, 53(3), 234.
Westerfield, D. L. (2003). National Health Care: Law, Policy, Strategy. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.
Williams, J., & Geller, E. S. (2008). Communication Strategies for Achieving a Total Safety Culture: Employers Need to Overcome the Perception That Giving Safety-Related Feedback Creates Interpersonal Conflict. Occupational Hazards, 70, 49.