Avoidance strategy

Definition

An avoidance strategy is a conflict resolution approach that involves ignoring or avoiding the conflict rather than confronting it directly. This strategy can manifest in various forms, such as procrastination, withdrawal, or denial, and is often used when individuals feel that the costs of addressing the conflict outweigh the benefits. While it may provide temporary relief from tension, relying on avoidance can lead to unresolved issues that may escalate over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Avoidance strategies may be employed when individuals perceive the conflict as trivial or believe that addressing it could worsen the situation.
2. This strategy can create a false sense of harmony, as underlying tensions remain unresolved and may eventually resurface in more significant ways.
3. Frequent use of avoidance can lead to decreased team cohesion and morale, as members may feel unheard or undervalued.
4. In some situations, avoidance can be beneficial by allowing time for emotions to cool and providing space for reflection before addressing the conflict.
5. Avoidance is typically viewed as a less effective long-term strategy compared to more proactive approaches like collaboration or negotiation.

Review Questions

• How does using an avoidance strategy affect team dynamics in an organization?
  • Using an avoidance strategy can significantly impact team dynamics by creating an environment where conflicts are left unaddressed. This can lead to feelings of frustration among team members who may feel their concerns are not acknowledged. Over time, this lack of resolution can erode trust and collaboration within the team, resulting in decreased overall productivity and morale.
• What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of utilizing an avoidance strategy in conflict situations?
  • The avoidance strategy can offer short-term advantages such as reducing immediate tension and preventing escalation during heated situations. However, its disadvantages often outweigh these benefits; unresolved conflicts can lead to resentment and a breakdown in communication over time. The longer issues are avoided, the more difficult they may become to address later, potentially leading to greater conflict down the line.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of relying on avoidance strategies for conflict resolution in organizational settings.
  • Relying on avoidance strategies for conflict resolution in organizations can lead to serious long-term consequences, including persistent unresolved issues that foster a toxic work environment. As conflicts linger without resolution, they can escalate, creating larger divides among team members and impacting overall organizational effectiveness. Moreover, consistent avoidance undermines the development of effective communication skills and problem-solving abilities within teams, hindering their growth and adaptability in facing future challenges.

Related terms

conflict resolution: The process of resolving a dispute or conflict by addressing the underlying issues and finding mutually acceptable solutions.

assertive communication: A communication style that involves expressing one's thoughts and feelings openly and directly while respecting others' rights and perspectives.

collaborative approach:

A conflict resolution method that encourages cooperation between parties to find a win-win solution, focusing on mutual interests rather than positions.