Important Topics for PMP Exam - Part 1

Conflict Resolution Techniques

This is one of the very important topics for the PMP exam. Quite a few questions are there in the exam on this topic.

In the project management parlance, following 5 techniques are used by the project managers to resolve any conflict.

1. Confrontation - This is the best technique, if any project manager is able to apply this in a conflict situation. This is a problem-solving method in which a project manager is able to resolve the problem itself and both the parties (in conflict) are happy. This is a win-win situation for both the parties.



2. Compromising - This is a technique in which one or both the parties (in conflict) sacrifice (give up) something. Negotiations take place to arrive at the solution. Both the parties achieve some degree of satisfaction. This is a loose-loose situation.



3. Smoothing - In this technique, areas of commonalities (agreements) are emphasized and areas of conflicts (disagreements) are de-emphasized. It is projected as if there is no conflict at all. This is a temporary solution and the possibility of resurfacing the conflict is very high.



4. Forcing - When the power is used to impose upon one's point of view. In this technique, the needs and concerns of the other party are ignored. This leads to win-loose situation where one party wins at the expense of the other party



5. Avoiding - Also called withdrawing, in this technique one party withdraws from the situation or, when the issue is postponed without trying to arrive at a solution. This is also a temporary solution as the problem and the conflict both continue.

Some other material on conflict resolution technique is here.

Also visit:
Important Topics for PMP Exam - Part 2
Important Topics for PMP Exam - Part 3