Emphasizing areas of agreement rather than areas of difference is part which of the following conflict management techniques?

Question

Options

• ASmoothing
• BCompromising
• CAvoiding
• DForcing

• A
  79% (27)
• B
  12% (4)
• C
  6% (2)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

Smoothing (A) is correct because it involves de-emphasizing differences and highlighting common ground to reduce tension - it "smooths over" conflict without resolving the underlying issue, prioritizing harmony in the short term.

Compromising (B) is wrong because it focuses on each party giving up something to reach a middle ground - it addresses differences directly rather than downplaying them. Avoiding (C) is wrong because it means withdrawing from or postponing the conflict entirely, not engaging with either agreements or disagreements. Forcing (D) is wrong because it imposes one party's viewpoint on another - the opposite of finding common ground.

Memory tip: Think of "smoothing" like applying spackle to a wall crack - you're covering it up and making the surface look agreeable, not actually fixing what's underneath.

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