Conflict Behaviour Tool

The leading instrument for conflict resolution. The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) measures an individual's behaviour in conflict situations. This helps to open discussions about personal and group dynamics. It is a useful tool for individual and team development.

About the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode instrument

The TKI identifies which of five conflict handling modes an individual tends to use. It helps them to see the value of that style and of other styles. With this knowledge individuals are better equipped to analyse a conflict situation and determine how to handle it positively and productively.

The TKI defines the five conflict handling modes as:

Competing   
Pursuing your own needs at the expense of the other person's. The goal is 'to win'.

Accommodating  
The opposite of competing - neglecting your own concerns to satisfy someone else's. The goal is 'to yield'.

Avoiding
The conflict is not addressed and therefore neither set of concerns is immediately pursued. The goal is 'to delay'.

Collaborating   
Working with the other person to find a solution that satisfies both sets of concerns. Attention is given to finding out exactly what the needs of both parties are. The goal is 'to find a win-win solution'.

Compromising
Finding an immediate solution that is mutually acceptable and fulfils the needs of both parties at least partially. It differs from collaborating in that some needs may have to be sacrificed in order for others to be met. The goal is 'to find a middle ground'.

 

Business Applications

 

Used internationally by professionals to understand, manage and resolve conflict

The Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) provides a tried-and-tested solution to conflict management. It allows professionals in any organisation to learn how personal style can impact on others, offering practical advice for the resolution of existing conflict situations, and for preventing future issues from occurring.

The instrument can be administered as a stand-alone tool by individuals as part of a group learning process, or as a module in a structured workshop.

What does the instrument look at?

Conflict resolution
This instrument can be used to help resolve issues in an existing conflict situation, where communication may have already broken down. It enables an impartial party to intervene, offering a safe and productive pathway back to re-building relationships and improving recognition of an individual's personal impact for the future. It can be used effectively in a one-to-one setting and with groups.

Teambuilding and development
The instrument can also be used to help teams who are already effective to maintain their success. It does this through building an awareness of the group dynamic and the differing styles of team members, equipping them with knowledge about the most appropriate conflict-handling styles for given situations. When combined with other tools, such as the MBTI® instrument, the individual gains a deeper understanding of their behaviour and how this can affect others.

Other applications include: leadership development, change management, negotiation and improved communication.

Benefits for you and your organisation
Through completion of the questionnaire, an individual can understand their own and other people's most natural conflict-handling mode from five main types:

Using comprehensive workshop materials, individuals can then explore the advantages of using a differing style according to the situation.

• Quick to administer, score and interpret, with no previous qualification required. The easy-to-follow materials ensure that the instrument can be used immediately, for example by a line manager for an urgent team-development initiative
  
• Provides the organisation with a useful framework to initiate productive conflict-resolution at all levels of the organisation
  
• Interpersonal conflicts are an inevitable part of business life. The TKI provides a practical framework to minimise the negative consequences of conflict, and to foster effective teamworking.

What is the tool suitable for?

Employees at all levels.

Please contact us if you have an interest in using this tool in your organisation.