Which conflict management strategy involves avoiding direct confrontation?

The strategy that involves avoiding direct confrontation is the avoiding approach. This method entails steering clear of conflict altogether, either by sidestepping the issue or by postponing discussion and decisions regarding the conflict. It can be effective in situations where the stakes are low, the conflict is trivial, or the individual believes that the best course of action is to let the issue resolve itself naturally over time. This strategy can help to maintain peace temporarily, but it may also lead to unresolved issues if used too frequently.

In contrast, collaborating seeks a solution that satisfies all parties, competing emphasizes winning the conflict at the expense of others, and accommodating involves making concessions to maintain harmony. Each of these strategies engages directly with the conflict rather than avoiding it, which highlights why the avoiding strategy is distinctly characterized by its non-confrontational nature.