Conflict handling skills
Conflict may be defined as “the interaction of interdependent people who perceive opposition of goals, aims, and values, and who see the other party as potentially interfering with the realization of these goals” (Putnam and Poole, 1987, p. 552). Consequently, it is an important element of social interaction and no couple, group, organization, or society is said to be free of conflicts (Rahim, 1986). Conflict handling skills are, thus, very important for maintaining almost all human relationship, in either personal or working life. A conflict management style is defined here as a general and consistent orientation toward the other party and the conflict issues, which is manifested in observable behaviors (Thomas, 1976).