What is a conflict management strategy that involves minimizing engagement with the issue?

The chosen answer, which is avoidance, refers to a conflict management strategy where individuals minimize their engagement with the issue at hand. This strategy is often utilized when parties prefer to sidestep confrontation rather than directly address the conflict. People may choose avoidance for various reasons, such as a desire to reduce tension, prevent escalation, or simply because they feel unprepared to deal with the problem directly at that moment.

Avoidance can be effective in specific situations, particularly when the conflict is minor or when the potential benefits of engagement do not outweigh the risks. The strategy allows individuals to take a step back, reassess the situation, and potentially prevent unnecessary conflict from arising.

In contrast, supportiveness focuses on creating a positive atmosphere to facilitate communication and resolution while empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others to foster connection. Face-saving is aimed at preserving dignity for all parties involved in a conflict. Each of these strategies centers on engaging with the issue, which diverges from the essence of avoidance.