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Kale And Mccullough Summary

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Kale and McCullough (2003) in conferring the five conflict levels make note that conflict is defined as “power struggles over differences”. The authors note the following “based on our definition, then, we will discuss five levels. The first two are really pre-conflict levels followed by three levels of actual conflict. Our levels are as follows: Awareness of Differences, Confronting the Differences, Power Struggles, Fight or Flight and Intractable”. In understanding Awareness of Differences the authors note that at this level members start to sense a disagreement on important personal matters. At this point members start to discuss with one another. Kale and McCullough (2203) noted that “these discussions are designed to help the members …show more content…

Kale and McCullough (2003) noted that “the objective now is more about persuading others to agree with them than it is to fully understand the issues”. Here communication changes to “more on trends or movements they perceive as either supporting or threatening their positions” (Leas 2001c, 19).
In the third level of Power Struggles, Kale and McCullough (2003) noted that “the differences between members have broken out into win-lose power struggles”. Separation is now noticeable within the community. Emotions are high and even worse the communication turns negatively. The authors noted that “communication at this level is marked by distortion, innuendo, and extremes. Those outside the conflict are confused by people they considered rational making highly irrational statements. The power struggle becomes evident as members form alliances to defeat the “enemy.””
In the Fight or Flight level, unfortunately members find themselves unable to work and worship together. Kale and McCullough (2003) noted that “there is not enough room in the church for them and the members on the other side of the issue”. Here communication is ineffective and dangerous; it “is reduced to bitter, hurtful comments intended to drive others out of the

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