Which conflict management style results when one side wins and one loses?

• A. Compromise/Reconcile
• B. Force/Direct
• C. Collaborate/Problem-solve
• D. Smooth/Accommodate

Answer: (B)

When a conflict ends with one side winning and the other losing, the approach is to force a decision using authority or power. This Force/Direct style is highly assertive and not collaborative, aiming to resolve the issue quickly by imposing the outcome rather than by exploring options with the other party. It’s appropriate in urgent situations, when safety or non-negotiable policies are at stake, or when a decision must be enforced without delay. The trade-off is a win-lose result: the winner gets the objective, but the loser’s concerns aren’t addressed, which can hurt relationships and future cooperation.

Other approaches seek mutual benefit or preservation of relationships, such as finding a middle ground, solving the problem together for mutual gain, or smoothing to maintain goodwill, which is why they do not fit a scenario described as one side winning and the other losing.