After studying Thomas-Kilmann conflict resolution model and considering different approaches carefully, the procurement team of XYZ Ltd. decides to adopt an avoiding approach to the upcoming negotiation with one of their suppliers. Which of the following will be the objective of XYZ procurement team in this negotiation?

The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model identifies five approaches to resolving conflict based on two dimensions: assertiveness and cooperativeness. The 'avoiding' approach is low in both assertiveness (not pursuing one's own concerns) and cooperativeness (not pursuing the other's concerns). The primary objective of this style is not to engage with the conflict at all. This is achieved by withdrawing from the situation, sidestepping the issue, or postponing a confrontation until a better time, or indefinitely. Therefore, the team's objective would be to postpone the issue.

A. Yielding to the supplier's point of view describes the 'accommodating' style, which is high in cooperativeness but low in assertiveness.
C. Seeking a quick middle-ground position is characteristic of the 'compromising' style, which has moderate levels of both assertiveness and cooperativeness.
D. Confronting and finding a creative solution describes the 'collaborating' style, which is high in both assertiveness and cooperativeness.

1. Thomas, K. W., & Kilmann, R. H. (1974). Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Xicom. The official instrument documentation defines the avoiding mode as "unassertive and uncooperative... the person neither pursues his own concerns nor those of the other individual. Thus he does not deal with the conflict."

2. Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2018). Organizational Behavior (18th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 14, "Conflict and Negotiation," describes the avoiding style as a desire to "withdraw from or suppress a conflict" (Section 14-2).

3. Rahim, M. A. (2017). Managing conflict in organizations (4th ed.). Routledge. Chapter 3, "A Two-Dimensional Model of Styles of Handling Interpersonal Conflict," explains that the avoiding style involves actions like postponement and withdrawal from the conflict situation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315266202