What does the term "smoothing" refer to in conflict management?

The term "smoothing" in conflict management refers to the approach of reducing tensions between parties involved in a conflict. This strategy focuses on fostering harmony and agreement by acknowledging the emotions and feelings of those involved, often prioritizing relationships over the substantive issue at hand. By emphasizing the positive aspects and common ground, smoothing seeks to create a more collaborative atmosphere, making it easier for parties to engage in constructive dialogue. This is essential in conflict resolution as it helps to ease animosity and encourages cooperation, paving the way for more effective and amicable solutions to disagreements.

In contrast, pursuing one's own agenda, ignoring the problem, or creating win-lose scenarios typically leads to further discord, making conflict resolution more challenging.