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Change approaches & management tools SeCtion tWo
THOMAS-KILMANN CONFLICT MODE INSTRUMENT (TKI) Description
The TKI is designed to explore preferences for behaviour in conflict situations. It uses two axes, assertiveness on the vertical and cooperation on the horizontal, to differentiate five different conflict modes: competing, avoiding, collaborating, accommodating and compromising. The tool consists of thirty pairs of statements and respondents select the extent to which each statement accords with their preferred style of dealing with conflict.
Figure: TKI conflict modes
High
Low
Competing
Avoiding
Compromising
Use
Available to purchase as a self completion questionnaire, the TKI is useful for exploring preferences for behaviour in situations of conflict. It is commercially available form Kilmann Diagnostics by following the web link in ‘further reading’ below.
Strengths and limitations
Widely used, quick to administer and available in English, French and Spanish versions, the tool affords respondents insights into their conflict preferences for further discussion within coaching /mentoring situations. Concerns have been expressed over cultural bias in its use in non- western contexts.
Collaborating
Accommodating
Low
High
COOPERATIVE
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ASSERTIVE