Conflict is usually found in an individualistic culture, in which competition and individual achievement is stressed over interdependence. 'Conflict can be defined as an interference between individuals or groups of people who have differing aims, values, expectations, purposes, etc.
A model called the "Thomas-Kilmann model" was designed by two psychologists, Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann. It demonstrates how individuals choose the conflict styles when they handle conflict. Thomas-Kilmann model suggests five principles that guide individuals via the conflict process. These are competing, accommodating, avoiding, compromising, and collaborating.
Application
The most widely used tool for this is a conflict style inventory, typically a short questionnaire filled out by a user, with interpretation of the scores given in writing or by an instructor. The point is not to categorize the user, but rather to give him or her a framework in which to assess responses and options. Conflict style inventories include the Thomas Kilmann and Style Matters: The Kraybill Conflict Style Inventory