Which approach to conflict involves one party trying to keep the peace by complementing the other party to get what they want?

Which approach to conflict involves one party trying to keep the peace by complementing the other party to get what they want?

• A. Competing/Coercing
• B. Cooperating/accommodating
• C. Perceived conflict
• D. Smoothing

Answer: (D)

Smoothing is a conflict-management approach that aims to preserve the relationship and maintain peace, often by downplaying differences and using positive remarks to ease tension while still pursuing a concession. In this scenario, one party keeps the peace by complementing the other to get what they want—that captures the essence of smoothing: prioritize harmony and use friendly behavior to secure a favorable outcome. This differs from competing or coercing, which focuses on winning and exerting pressure rather than keeping things smooth. It also differs from cooperating or accommodating, which involve more active collaboration or yielding on issues, rather than using compliments and tension reduction to obtain a concession. Perceived conflict isn’t a strategy itself; it’s about whether someone believes a conflict exists, which isn’t the approach described here.

Smoothing is a conflict-management approach that aims to preserve the relationship and maintain peace, often by downplaying differences and using positive remarks to ease tension while still pursuing a concession. In this scenario, one party keeps the peace by complementing the other to get what they want—that captures the essence of smoothing: prioritize harmony and use friendly behavior to secure a favorable outcome.

This differs from competing or coercing, which focuses on winning and exerting pressure rather than keeping things smooth. It also differs from cooperating or accommodating, which involve more active collaboration or yielding on issues, rather than using compliments and tension reduction to obtain a concession. Perceived conflict isn’t a strategy itself; it’s about whether someone believes a conflict exists, which isn’t the approach described here.