A systems approach to managing conflict in orthopaedic nursing

Conflict management is considered from a psychologic perspective. Therein, a systems approach to managing conflict is described with particular reference to orthopaedic nursing practice. Within that context, conflict management is portrayed as a process that is applied by orthopaedic nurses to particular conflict situations by means of separate, yet interrelated phases: clarification of the conflict situation; design of a conflict resolution plan; implementation of the plan; and evaluation of the extent to which conflict has been resolved. Application of this systems approach by orthopaedic nursing managers or by staff nurses may be valuable in focusing their attention and that of other health care providers on important behaviors, tasks, and accomplishments rather than on personality constructs and other noncontrollable correlates of managing conflict effectively. Directions for empirical inquiry relating to conflict management in orthopaedic nursing are briefly considered.