Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument

Designed to assess individuals and teams in terms of their management of conflict, the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (or TKI) provides information about the five modes of handling conflict, and when each is appropriate.

In the case of conflict-handling behavior, there are no universal right answers. There are five fundamental modes - and each can be useful in some situations - and each represents a set of useful social skills. Our conventional wisdom recognizes, for example, that often "two heads are better than one" (Collaborating). But it also says, "Kill your enemies with kindness" (Accommodating), "Split the difference" (Compromising), "Leave well enough alone" (Avoiding), "Might makes righ" (Competing). The effectiveness of a given way of handling conflict depends upon the requirements of the specific conflict situation and the skill with which the mode is used.

Each of us is capable of using all five conflict-handling modes: none of us can be characterized as having a single, rigid style of dealing with conflict. However, any given individual uses some modes better than others and therefore, tends to rely upon those modes more heavily than others, whether because of temperament or practice.

The conflict behaviors which individuals use are therefore the result of both their personal predispositions and the requirements of the situations in which they find themselves. The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument is designed to assess this mix of conflict-handling modes.