Avoidance avoiding your disputes because you do not want to get into

arguments with others

Accommodation putting other peoples interest ahead of your own in order

to settle the dispute and keep the relationship

Collaboration Coming together to find the best solution for both parties

without necessarily giving in to either position.

Compromise Coming together to find a solution that is amicable to both

parties, but entails giving into the other individuals interests and position.
Competitive Putting your own interests above the other person and
fighting for your position to win out in the dispute.
Each one of these styles can be learned over time. None of these styles are negative in any way;
they each have their own merit and can be used in certain situations based on the significance of the
relationship.

The chart above is showing how to interact with people with different conflict management
styles other than your own. The vertical axis measures the concern for others in your dispute.
For example, if you care about the person you are in conflict with you will be more successful
employing the styles of accommodation or collaboration. The horizontal axis measures your
concern for yourself in the dispute. For example, if you care more about yourself and your
interests over the relationship with the other person you are more likely to use the styles of
avoidance or competing. This chart can be helpful when deciding which styles to use for certain
disputes in your everyday life.