HANDLING CONFLICT 165
Conflict Behaviors Conflict behavior results from the parties’ perceived or felt conflict. Behaviors may be overt or covert. Overt behavior may take the form of aggression, competition, debate, or problem solv- ing. Covert behavior may be expressed by a variety of indirect tactics, such as scapegoating, avoidance, or apathy.
Conflict Resolved or Suppressed In the next stage of the process conflict is resolved or suppressed. Resolution occurs when a mu- tually agreed-upon solution is arrived at and both parties commit themselves to carrying out the agreement. Suppression occurs when one person or group defeats the other. Only the dominant side is committed to the agreement, and the loser may or may not carry out the agreement.