The 3 types of conflicts and their characteristics

The different types of conflicts derive from the different forms of disagreement. This is because, sometimes, the interests or objectives of two or more people or groups are divergent. Sometimes the differences are so great that it is impossible to reach an agreement.

What characterizes all types of conflicts is the presence of positions that are exclusive, either partially or totally. This means that, in principle, the coexistence of these two positions is not possible. Therefore, either one of the two prevails over the other or an alternative is reached that satisfies the parties involved.

The importance of knowing the different types of conflicts lies in the fact that this allows us to better define the type of disagreement, facilitating solution paths. In general, we can talk about three types of conflicts, as we will see below.

1. Types of conflict according to content

When talking about types of conflicts due to content reference is made to the explicit motivations or purposes that mark the clash. From that point of view, we find the following possibilities:

Power conflict. It occurs when the dominance or legitimacy of a power is questioned by another instance of power. It is not negative in itself, since this encourages checks and balances in democracies.Conflict of interests. It occurs when the objectives of one person or group oppose to some extent the objectives of another person or group. What benefits some may harm others to some extent.Values ​​conflict. In this case what opposes each other is the hierarchy of values ​​or the values ​​themselves. There are two or more ethical systems in conflict and the parties perceive that validating the other implies sacrificing their own worldview.Personality conflicts. It corresponds to the divergences that are produced by ways of being and acting that are incompatible. Like when someone is very loud and another person is bothered by this.Communication conflicts. In this case perhaps there is not a real conflict, but rather poor communication management. This leads to deepening or highlighting differences that may not be so relevant.

2. Conflicts according to interaction

The types of conflicts They can also be classified based on who participates in them. This categorization is useful to define who are the active subjects in a disagreement. This also helps to define possible solutions. From this point of view we find the following types of conflicts:

Intergroup. It is one that occurs between two or more groups. In this case, the conflict involves communities that are in conflict. The most obvious example is a war.Intragroup. It occurs when factions form within a group that confront or generate tensions among themselves. It can occur in any type of group, including the family, for example.Interpersonal. It takes place when those who have the conflict are two specific individuals. This does not directly involve any group. An example is conflicts between two co-workers or a couple.Intrapersonal. This is a type of conflict different from all others. In this case there is no divergence with others, but the battlefield is oneself. There are forces, motivations or interests found in the person themselves.

3. Conflicts according to the level of reality

These types of conflicts may seem surprising at first, but they are very common. In this case, the definitive factor is perception and intention. It refers to the fact that not all conflicts are equally real, nor do they have the same implications on a practical level. Within this group we find the following types of conflicts:

Real. It is the conflict that exists objectively. There are, indeed, objectives, interests or attitudes that clash with each other.Imaginary. It corresponds to cases in which there is no objective conflict, but rather an erroneous perception. A person believes that there are differences with another, when in reality this is not the case. He perceives it that way, without it being true.Made up. This is an imaginary conflict, but in this case it is generated deliberately. It is based on lies and manipulation. For example, when someone accuses another of being aggressive to damage their image in front of others.

It must be clarified that All types of conflicts also have different levels of intensity. In some cases it is no more than a mild tension, while in others it has important consequences.