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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Sources of conflict and techniques for conflict resolution

A finance manager notices a minor disagreement between two junior staff about desk allocation. She decides the issue is trivial, takes no action and lets it pass. In Thomas-Kilmann terms, which style is she using, and when is it most appropriate?

She is using the avoiding style, which is low in both assertiveness and cooperativeness. It is appropriate when the issue is trivial or when the cost of confronting it outweighs the benefit. Accommodating differs because it involves actively giving way to the other party's wishes.

  1. AAvoiding; when the issue is trivial or the costs of confronting outweigh the benefitsCorrect
  2. BAccommodating; when she wishes to maintain harmony by yielding to others
  3. CCompeting; when a quick decisive action is vital
  4. DCollaborating; when the issue is too important to compromise

Explanation

Taking no action reflects low assertiveness and low cooperativeness, which is avoiding. It suits trivial issues or situations where confronting would cost more than the benefit. Accommodating involves actively yielding to the other party, which does not occur here.

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