ABSTRACT
Escalation occurs when a party to a conflict first uses a contentious (aggressive) tactic or employs heavier contentious tactics than before. (Parties to a conflict may be individuals, small groups, departments, or entire organizations.) Escalation must be distinguished from conflict, which is a state of mind involving a perceived divergence of interest, a perceived difference of opinion, or a feeling of annoyance about another party’s actions (Pruitt & Kim, 2004). Escalation is one way of dealing with conflict. There are other ways, including problem solving, yielding, and inaction (Pruitt & Kim, 2004).
