Which conflict resolution style involves each party giving up one thing?

• A. Compromising
• B. Competing
• C. Cooperating/accommodating
• D. Smoothing

Answer: (A)

Compromising is the conflict resolution style where each party gives up something to reach a middle ground. It combines moderate assertiveness with moderate cooperation, making it a practical, time-efficient way to resolve disputes when both sides’ goals are important but not worth a prolonged fight. In this approach, neither side gets everything they want, but both gain a workable solution that preserves the relationship. This contrasts with a competing style, which pushes one side to win at the other’s expense; with cooperating or accommodating, where one side yields more to the other's wants; and with smoothing, which emphasizes harmony to the point of avoiding underlying issues.