What is the core characteristic of the competing strategy?

• A. An assertive approach where one party's needs are satisfied at another's expense.
• B. A collaborative effort to find a win-win solution.
• C. A passive approach that yields to others.
• D. A unilateral withdrawal from the conflict.

Answer: (A)

The essential feature being tested is an assertive, win-lose approach in conflict management. In the competing strategy, one party pushes to satisfy their own needs and goals, often at the expense of the other side, with little interest in the other party’s outcomes. It’s about winning quickly and decisively, using power or pressure to secure favorable results even if others lose out. This contrasts with approaches that aim for mutual gain, yield to others, or withdraw from the issue. In real-world contexts, this style can be effective when decisions are urgent or risk is high and you have power, but it can undermine relationships and trust over time.