[An Alternative Interpretation of Conflict Management: Interpersonal Conflicts and Doctor (Nurse)/Patient Communications].

Abstract

In this paper, interpersonal conflict is redefined to highlight the conflict dimension, which is ignored in traditional definitions of this term. In this new definition, the "no conflict" situation refers to unnoticed differences, disagreements, or dissatisfaction that are accommodated or negotiated prior to being noticed. An essential element of conflict management is identifying the ideal time to express and respond to questions/complaints/disagreement. Communicative efforts for conflict management include increasing (affective) motives related to expressing and responding to disagreement; increasing (cognitively) confidence and competencies in managing interactive flows, and (behaviorally) engaging in communicative actions.