ABSTRACT
In the most basic sense, conflict management refers to any effort by a third party at preventing a conflict from getting worse. It follows from this point of origin that conflict management as an approach presumes that some conflict has already occurred, or is occurring. Conflict management also presumes that said conflict can somehow be contained, controlled, and possibly even ended. In considering each presumption in light of the other, it is fairly evident that conflict management is in equal measure realistic and optimistic, pragmatic and hopeful.
