Which Conflict Management Strategy is also referred to as 'Strategy of Integration'?

The Problem Solving strategy, also known as collaborating, is frequently referred to as the 'Strategy of Integration'. This approach is characterized by a high degree of both assertiveness and cooperativeness, creating a "win-win" scenario. It involves parties openly discussing their differences, exploring the root causes of the conflict, and working together to find a novel solution that fully integrates their respective insights and concerns. The goal is not just to find a middle ground but to synthesize different viewpoints into a superior, mutually beneficial outcome that satisfies everyone involved.

A. Smoothing: This accommodating (lose-win) strategy emphasizes areas of agreement while downplaying differences. It does not integrate concerns but rather yields to them.

C. Withdrawing: This avoidance (lose-lose) strategy involves retreating from or postponing the conflict, which is the antithesis of actively integrating concerns to find a solution.

D. Compromising: This strategy seeks a middle ground where each party makes concessions. It involves splitting the difference, not fully integrating all needs for an optimal win-win solution.

1. Rahim, M. A. (2002). Toward a theory of managing organizational conflict. The International Journal of Conflict Management, 13(3), 206-235. In Table I on page 217, the "Integrating" style (also known as problem-solving or collaborating) is defined by high concern for self and others, aiming to find a solution acceptable to all parties. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/eb022874)

2. International Institute of Business Analysis. (2015). A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), Version 3. In Section 10.13.3, "Conflict Resolution," the "Collaborating (Problem Solving)" technique is described as incorporating multiple viewpoints and insights from differing perspectives to arrive at a consensus, which is the essence of integration.

3. Blake, R. R., & Mouton, J. S. (1964). The Managerial Grid: The Key to Leadership Excellence. Gulf Publishing Co. This foundational work on managerial styles identifies the "9,9" orientation (high concern for production, high concern for people) as problem-solving, where conflicts are resolved by confronting disagreements and integrating diverse ideas to find the best solution.