All the following are conflict resolution strategies EXCEPT?
Appeared in: AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018
Explanation
Resistance is not a formal strategy for resolving conflict but rather a behavior indicating opposition or disagreement.
Unlike structured strategies that aim to manage or resolve a dispute, resistance is a reaction that can block progress and escalate conflict.
The established models of conflict management, such as the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument, do not include resistance as a method for resolution.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: Smoothing, also known as Accommodating, is a valid conflict resolution strategy.
Option B: Avoiding is a recognized conflict management strategy.
Option D: Collaborating is considered one of the most effective conflict resolution strategies.
Related Visual
Visual 1: Infographic: The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, showing the five conflict styles plotted on two axes: Assertiveness (y-axis) and Cooperativeness (x-axis). This visual helps to understand how each style relates to the desire to satisfy one's own needs versus the needs of others.
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Conflict Resolution Strategies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing, effective conflict resolution is crucial for patient safety, team morale, and quality of care. A nurse leader must be able to identify the type of conflict and apply the appropriate strategy.
For example, a nurse might use collaboration to work with a physician on a patient's care plan, smoothing to de-escalate a minor disagreement with a colleague over break times, and avoiding (temporarily) a heated discussion with a patient's family member until a more private and calm setting is available.
What if? If a nurse manager observes resistance from staff regarding a new protocol, they should not ignore it. Instead, they should use a collaborative or compromising approach to understand the staff's concerns and find a workable solution, turning resistance into a constructive dialogue.
How to Approach the Question
First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'conflict resolution strategies'.
Note the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that does not belong with the others.
Recall the standard models of conflict management, such as the five styles from the Thomas-Kilmann model (Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, Accommodating/Smoothing).
Evaluate each option against this model.
Smoothing (Accommodating), Avoiding, and Collaborating are all part of the model.
Resistance is not listed as a constructive strategy in this model. Therefore, it is the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Conflict Resolution Strategies
Stem keywords: conflict resolution, strategies
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the option that is NOT a conflict resolution strategy.
Question ID
QfGe267B1zY6G6_6hhl4-m
Practise the full AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.