How do you measure conflict intensity?

1 What is conflict intensity?

Conflict intensity is the degree of emotion, tension, and pressure involved in a conflict situation. It reflects how strongly the parties feel about their positions, interests, and needs, and how much they are willing to compromise or cooperate. Conflict intensity can vary depending on the context, the history, the personalities, and the goals of the conflict participants. It can also change over time as the conflict escalates or de-escalates.

2 Why does conflict intensity matter?

Conflict intensity matters because it affects how the conflict is perceived, managed, and resolved. High-intensity conflicts can be more destructive, disruptive, and difficult to resolve than low-intensity ones. They can also cause more stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction for the people involved and the organization as a whole. On the other hand, low-intensity conflicts can be more constructive, creative, and beneficial than high-intensity ones. They can also foster more trust, collaboration, and learning among the parties.

3 How to measure conflict intensity objectively?

One way to measure conflict intensity objectively is to use a scale or a questionnaire that quantifies the level of conflict based on certain indicators or criteria. For example, you can use the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) to measure how you and others tend to handle conflict using five modes: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating. The TKI can help you identify your preferred mode, your strengths and weaknesses, and your areas for improvement. You can also use the Conflict Dynamics Profile (CDP) to measure how you and others respond to conflict using 15 constructive and 15 destructive behaviors. The CDP can help you understand your triggers, your hot buttons, and your impact on others.

4 How to measure conflict intensity subjectively?

Subjectively measuring conflict intensity can be done through your own perception, intuition, and observation. To assess the level of conflict, you can ask yourself questions such as: how do you feel about the conflict? How do the other parties feel about it? How do you and they communicate with each other? And how do you and they handle the conflict? Are you and they seeking to understand, resolve, avoid, or escalate it? These questions can help guide your subjective measurement of the intensity of a conflict.

5 How to use conflict intensity measurements?

Once you have measured the conflict intensity, using both objective and subjective methods, you can use the results to inform your conflict management strategy and actions. For example, if the conflict intensity is low, a collaborative or compromising mode may be used to resolve it in a constructive and mutually beneficial way. Positive communication skills, such as active listening, empathy, and feedback, can also be employed to build rapport and trust with the other parties. On the other hand, if the conflict intensity is high, a competing or accommodating mode may be used to resolve it in a decisive or conciliatory way. De-escalation techniques, such as reframing, validating, and apologizing, can be used to reduce tension and hostility with the other parties. Measuring conflict intensity can help you gain an understanding of the nature and dynamics of a conflict situation. It can also help you make sound decisions by balancing data and intuition.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?