IREM Certified Property Manager (CPM) Practice Test 2025 - Free CPM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The adversarial style of conflict resolution is characterized by competitive and confrontational approaches, often encapsulated in the belief that "only the strong survive." This style leans towards the idea that conflict is a zero-sum game where one party's gain is another's loss. Those who utilize an adversarial approach typically prioritize their interests above others, leading to a more aggressive stance in negotiations or disputes.

In this style, individuals often engage in tactics that undermine their opponents, seeking to dominate rather than find a mutually beneficial outcome. The adversarial model can lead to an escalation of conflict, as it drives a wedge between parties instead of fostering dialogue.

In contrast, the other styles lead to different outcomes: the collaborative style seeks to work together for mutual benefit; the compromising style finds a middle ground; and the avoiding style sidesteps the conflict altogether. Each of these approaches emphasizes cooperation, negotiation, or withdrawal, which are fundamentally different from the competitive nature of the adversarial style.