MODELS OF CONFLICT-MANAGEMENT

Conflict can arise in virtually any social setting, be it between or within individuals, groups, organizations, or nations. Such conflict can be managed in any of a number of possible ways. These include domination through physical or psychological means, capitulation, inaction, withdrawal, negotiation, or the intervention of a third party. This article explores the latter two approaches to conflict management, first examining two very different models-mutual gains and concession-convergence-that have emerged for the understanding of negotiation, and then turning to the roles and functions of outside intervenors.