Conflict Resolution Strategies Flashcards
7 cards from real Supervisory Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Conflict Resolution Strategies flashcards as text
A supervisor realizes they personally side with one employee in a conflict. What is the MOST ethical course of action?
Answer: Disclose the bias and request that another supervisor or HR handle the mediation
Disclosing a personal bias and stepping aside protects the fairness of the process and the trust of both employees.
When is the 'competing' conflict style MOST appropriate for a supervisor to use?
Answer: When an emergency requires a fast, decisive decision
The competing style is appropriate in urgent situations where a quick, authoritative decision is necessary, such as a safety emergency.
An employee consistently avoids conflict by agreeing in meetings but then not following through on commitments. This pattern is called:
Answer: Passive resistance
Passive resistance involves outward agreement without genuine commitment, often used to avoid direct confrontation while still opposing a decision.
A supervisor should document conflict resolution meetings primarily to:
Answer: Create a paper trail showing the supervisor followed proper procedures
Documentation protects all parties by demonstrating that the supervisor followed fair and proper procedures, which is essential if the conflict escalates.
Two employees reach a compromise where each gives up something to reach an agreement. Which conflict style does this represent?
Answer: Compromising
Compromising involves both parties making concessions to reach a mutually acceptable middle-ground solution.
A supervisor should schedule a follow-up meeting after resolving a conflict in order to:
Answer: Verify that the agreed-upon solutions are being implemented and the relationship is improving
Follow-up ensures accountability for agreed actions and signals to employees that their supervisor is committed to lasting resolution.
Which of the following BEST describes 'interest-based' conflict resolution?
Answer: Identifying the underlying needs and concerns driving each party's position
Interest-based resolution looks beneath stated positions to uncover the true needs and concerns of each party, enabling creative solutions that satisfy everyone.