Communication Conflict - Essay Example

The proper approach to resolution of conflict is needed to ensure that positive and beneficial outcomes will result from the disagreement while avoiding damaging and incriminating results (MindTools, n.d.). In the situation of Charla and Ben where they have to share their parent’s car, it presents a conflict because they are two different people who want to share a single car and they cannot determine the best way to go about the situation. A conflict is defined as a disagreement between or among different parties with different interests, needs, and concerns.

Conflict occurs when parties detect a threat to their interests, needs, and concerns (Webne-Behrman, n.d.). It may also occur as a result of different values and unmet basic needs (San Diego County, Office of Education, n.d.). Most likely, both of them want to use the car at their own leisure and in favor of their preferences. Charla might want to use a car to go to the movies with her friends while Ben might want to go out on a date on the exact same night. Charla might have made plans to go to the mall while Ben wants to for a ride around town.

This truly presents a conflict since they both want the same thing, which is the use of the car, and obviously, sharing it with the other siblings means that not all of their plans will be put into action. This will mean ruined dates, cancelled outings, or being left out from their friends. If one party gets to use the car more often than the other, this in turn might foster feelings of jealousy and the other party might feel that he or she got the short end of the straw. If the problem gets too far, it may end up in treachery, selfishness, and both of the siblings trying to sneak out the car when the other is supposed to be using it.

This might result in quarrels between the siblings and they might end up hurting and alienating each other just because the wrong things are said and