Which option best describes the latent stage?

• A. One party perceives a problem, even if actual conflict may not exist.
• B. Emotional tension between parties has begun to develop.
• C. Factors are present, but conflict has not yet developed.
• D. Parties have already taken action to resolve the issue.

Answer: (C)

Latent stage involves underlying factors and potential tensions that exist between parties, but no conflict has surfaced yet. The statement that factors are present, but conflict has not yet developed captures this precisely: there are conditions or issues in place (needs, goals, resources, or values misalignments) that could lead to conflict, but nothing open or active has emerged. Once a party perceives a problem, or emotional tension begins to build, you’re moving into stages where conflict becomes visible and active. And when actions are taken to resolve it, that reflects a shift toward resolution or management rather than latent conditions.