Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)
The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) is a self-reporting assessment that helps you understand how you approach the five conflict resolution modes: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, and Accommodating through the dimension lens of Assertiveness and Empathy. Each mode has its benefits and disadvantages. Taking this assessment ascertains the overuse or underuse of each mode.
Competing - is assertive and uncooperative, a power-oriented mode. When competing, an individual pursues his or her concerns at the other person’s expense, using whatever power seems appropriate to win his or her position. Competing might mean standing up for your rights, defending a position you believe is correct, or simply trying to win.
Collaborating – is both assertive and cooperative. When collaborating, individual attempts to work with the other person to find a solution that fully satisfies both concerns. It involves digging into an issue to identify the two individuals' underlying concerns and find an alternative that meets both sets of concerns. Collaborating between two persons might take the form of exploring a disagreement to learn from each other’s insight, resolving some condition that would otherwise have them competing for resources, or confronting and trying to find a creative solution to an interpersonal problem.
Compromising – is intermediate in both assertiveness and cooperativeness. When compromising, an individual aims to find a reasonable, mutually acceptable solution that partially satisfies both parties. Compromising falls on a middle ground between competing and accommodating, giving up more than competing but less than accommodating. Likewise, it addresses an issue more directly than avoiding it but doesn’t explore it in as much depth as collaborating. Compromising might mean splitting the difference, exchanging concessions, or seeking a quick middle-ground position.
Avoiding – is unassertive and uncooperative. When avoiding, an individual does not immediately pursue his or her own concerns or those of the other person. He or she does not address the conflict. Avoiding might take the form of diplomatically sidestepping an issue, postponing an issue until a better time, or simply withdrawing from a threatening situation.
Accommodating – is unassertive and cooperative – the opposite of competing. When accommodating, an individual neglects his or her own concerns to satisfy the other person's concerns; there is an element of self-sacrifice in the mode. Accommodating might take the form of selfless generosity or charity, obeying another person’s order when you prefer not to, or yielding to another’s point of view.