Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

When Susan and Lee agreed to compromise on their interests, what conflict management style are they demonstrating?

1. Avoiding

2. Compromising

3. Collaborating

4. Accommodating

The correct answer is: Compromising

The choice of compromising is fitting in this scenario because it highlights a situation where both parties, Susan and Lee, are willing to make concessions in order to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Compromise involves each party giving up something in order to find common ground, which typically indicates a level of cooperation and a desire to maintain a positive relationship. In the context of conflict management styles, compromising is often seen as a pragmatic approach when parties recognize that a complete win-win solution may not be feasible. This style allows for a balanced resolution where neither side is fully satisfied but both are able to move forward without residual conflict. When individuals choose to compromise, they demonstrate an understanding that while their individual interests are important, so is the relationship with the other party involved. This contrasts with other styles such as avoiding, collaborating, or accommodating, which do not emphasize the give-and-take nature that characterizes compromise.