Lesson 02: Conflict as a Process of Communication

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Lesson Overview

This lesson explores successful conflict management and gives ways to identify destructive conflict behaviors.

Learning Objectives

The readings and questions in the lesson will help you to

• understand that conflict progresses through different stages of communication;
• recognize that the progression of a conflict is not always straightforward but can be characterized by destructive cycles of rigidity, hostile escalation, and avoidance; and
• appreciate how knowledge of the properties of conflict interaction can minimize the likelihood that the parties involved will become caught in destructive cycles.

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Lesson 02 Course Schedule.