CM 231: Journal Entry 4

Constructive conflict is when “members understand that disagreements are natural and can help them achieve their shared goals.” (Wood 2017). Constructive conflict is reflected in communication that both shows respect for diverse opinions and that encourages win-win situations. During this type of conflict, the discussion should be open, demonstrate openness to different ideas, and demonstrate the willingness to alter options. This type of conflict is most likely to occur when the climate is supportive and open rather than a climate portrays closed mindedness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_AfRk9F9w

An example

of constructive conflict can be seen in this clip. At the beginning of the clip, the moose and the bear are in conflict because they both want to cross the bridge at the same time, but the bridge is not big enough for both of them to cross at the same time. The conflict stems over the fact that neither the bear nor the moose want to be the one turn back so the other can cross. This conflict later leads to both the bear and the moos to be aggressive towards the rabbit and the raccoon who also want to cross the bridge. Compromising, the rabbit and the raccoon both untie one side of the bridge, so the moose and the bear are no longer blocking the bridge; however, now the rabbit and the raccoon are both in the middle of the bridge. The difference between the conflict between moose and the bear and the conflict between rabbit and the raccoon is that both the rabbit and the raccoon win. In the clip, neither the rabbit and the raccoon get aggressive. In fact, (at 2:10 in the clip), the raccoon bends over so that the rabbit can hop over him and neither of them have to turn around. Constructive conflict is shown because both the rabbit and the raccoon showed respect for each other and came to a win-win solution.

Works Cited:

Wood, J.T. (2017). ​Communication mosaics: An introduction to the field of communication.

​(8th Ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning .