Withdrawing/Avoiding
Withdrawing (also called avoiding) is a conflict resolution technique where one or both parties retreat from the conflict, postponing the issue or declining to engage.
Explanation
Withdrawing means stepping away from the conflict rather than addressing it. This technique neither resolves the conflict nor satisfies any party. The issue is simply deferred or ignored. PMI generally considers this the least desirable conflict resolution technique because it leaves the problem unresolved.\n\nHowever, withdrawing can be strategically appropriate in certain situations: when the issue is trivial, when emotions are too high for productive discussion and a cooling-off period is needed, when you have no chance of satisfying your concerns, or when the potential damage from confrontation outweighs the benefits of resolving the issue now.\n\nThe primary risk of withdrawing is that unresolved conflicts tend to escalate over time. What starts as a minor disagreement can become a major issue if repeatedly avoided. Project managers should use this technique sparingly and ensure they return to address the conflict once conditions are more favorable.
Key Points
- •One or both parties retreat from the conflict
- •Issue is postponed, deferred, or ignored
- •Generally the least desirable technique per PMI
- •Can be appropriate as a temporary measure when emotions are high
Exam Tip
Withdrawing is the worst long-term strategy because nothing is resolved. However, it may be correct when a cooling-off period is needed or when the issue is genuinely trivial.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conflict management is the practice of identifying and handling conflicts in a timely, constructive manner to minimize negative impacts and leverage disagreement for improved outcomes.
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Smoothing (also called accommodating) is a conflict resolution technique that emphasizes areas of agreement rather than areas of difference, often at the expense of one party who yields to maintain harmony.
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Forcing (also called directing) is a conflict resolution technique where one party pushes their viewpoint at the expense of others, typically using positional power to resolve the disagreement.
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