A project manager confronts a team member about the use of personal instant messaging during working hours. This is an example of which of the following conflict resolution techniques?

A is correct because 'forcing,' also known as 'win-lose' or 'directing,' involves the project manager imposing their viewpoint or a solution on the team member without much negotiation. In this scenario, the PM is using their authority to stop the undesirable behavior, prioritizing adherence to rules and project needs over the team member's personal preference, which is characteristic of the forcing technique.

B is incorrect because 'smoothing' emphasizes areas of agreement and downplays differences, which is not what confronting someone about rule-breaking does.

C is incorrect because 'compromise' involves each party giving up something to reach a mutually acceptable solution, which is not implied by a direct confrontation about a policy violation.

D is incorrect because 'avoiding' involves withdrawing from the conflict or postponing the issue, which is the opposite of a direct confrontation.