52 Chapter 2 Skills for Career Success
are confl icts, but on a much larger
scale. Many times the confl icts between
nations are based on some of the
same differences that cause confl icts
between individuals. Differences in
religious beliefs and practices are often
at the core of many national confl icts.
Disagreements over government
policies can also lead to major disputes.
Causes of Confl ict
Causes of confl ict can be trivial or
signifi cant. It is important to take an
objective look at the confl ict and try
to determine the cause. Knowing why
the confl ict occurred will likely help
in resolving it. Many confl icts occur
because of poor communication. Have you ever made arrangements
to meet some friends, and they never showed up? You may have been
really angry until you found out they never received your message, or
they misunderstood where you were to meet. Many times a failure to
communicate can be more serious. Has anyone ever said to you “If you
had told me, all this could have been avoided”?
Some confl icts result from specifi c situations. For instance, perhaps
you and your friend both like the same boy. The situation could lead
to a confl ict between the two of you. Other confl icts are caused by
personality clashes. If people have very different personalities, they
could be on a collision course.
Confl icts often occur between parents and their children during the
teenage years. The role of parents is to guide their children as they grow
toward adulthood. Parents are responsible for their well-being until
they are adults. The role of teens is to develop independence. They are
anxious to be able to make decisions for themselves. Finding a happy
medium between these opposing roles is often diffi cult. Parents and
children often pull in opposite directions. Confl icts frequently occur
during these tumultuous years.
Differences in values can lead to confl icts. Your values are important to
you. If someone else does not have the same values as you, confl icts can arise.
The degree of confl ict depends on the importance of the value to you. For
instance, your parents may think good grades are most important, while you
think your performance on the volleyball team is most important. You want
to spend time practicing when they want you to study more.
Some confl icts can be traced to cultural differences. For example,
the American culture is one where people are always busy and active.
People from many other cultures prefer a more relaxed pace.
21st
Century
Skills
Confl ict resolution. Jackie
and Kelly are coworkers
with different personalities.
However, they resolve their
confl icts quietly and do not
let them affect their work.
2-9
Even good friends can
have confl icts because
they are together so
much of the time. What is
important is to choose a
method of resolving the
confl ict that is fair to all.