TOPIC: Compromise vs Smoothing

Can you please clarify the difference between Compromise and Smoothing with examples. Also when would you use one vs the other? Or several examples of Smoothing instead of Compromise .

Thanks.

Hi Edward –

Smoothing (also known as Accommodating) and Compromising are both conflict resolution techniques that can be used in different situations. Smoothing emphasizes the common interests of the conflicting parties and de-emphasizes their differences. The Smoothing technique also stresses the adoption of shared viewpoints on certain issues to help facilitate movement toward a consensus and temporary resolution of the conflict. In this case, the project manager “accommodates” the other party so that they can both move on and get back to work on the project. It is important to note that Smoothing is considered to be a short-term solution and may have to be revisited at a later time. Smoothing is often used by project managers when it is important to provide temporary relief from the conflict or buy time until you are in a better position to respond and/or push back against the conflicting party. It is also used when the conflicting party “stands their ground” and refuses to budge on their viewpoint. In these cases, it is simply better for the project manager to accommodate this person since continuing the conflicting conversation would cause more harm than good to the project or other project team members.

On the other hand, Compromising emphasizes finding areas of agreement that bring some degree of satisfaction to all parties. The Compromising technique involves situations where each party engages in a discussion of “give and take”, each relinquishing a bit more of what they are expecting until a mutual agreement is reached. It is important to note that when using the Compromising technique, there is no distinct winner or loser and the decision reached is probably not ideal for either party, but is acceptable to both parties so that they can move on. Compromising should be used when the two parties are looking for an expedient and mutually acceptable solution that partially satisfies both parties. IT can also be used when the ultimate resolution of the conflict are of only moderate importance and not worth the use of more assertive or more involved approaches, such as forcing or collaborating.

I hope that helps you make the distinction between the Smoothing and Compromising conflict resolution techniques and when they are appropriate.

Thanks

Kevin

thank you very much

Please kindly help me to choose whether this is Smoothing or Compromising and exmpla why

A major subcontractor for your project sconsistently provide deliverables late.
The subcontractor approroaches you and asks you to continue accepting late deliverable exchange for a decrease in project costs. This offer is an example of Smoothing or Compromising?

Hi Jason,

First let's revisit smoothing and compromising. Smoothing is what you’re doing when you try to play down the problem and make it seem like it’s not so bad. It’s a temporary solution, but sometimes you need to do it to keep tempers from flaring and give people some space to step back and really figure out what’s going on.

Compromise sounds good, doesn’t it? But hold on a second—when two people compromise, it means that each person gives up something. That’s why a lot of people call a compromise a “lose-lose” solution. Each of the parties involved will have to give up something if they are to get back on track. As Kevin explained - Compromising emphasizes finding areas of agreement that bring some degree of satisfaction to all parties.

Therefore in the example provided by you - it's compromising because of a couple Of reasons. One is that the sub contractor consistently delivers late (So not a temporary fix). Additionally the project manager is "losing" because of late deliverables which would have an impact on the timelines for the project and the sub contractor is "losing" because of reducing his price (assumption based on his implication of a reduction in project cost), even if that could result in a drop in total project cost (which is a gain for the PM).

Hope this helps.

Hi Kevin,

Some PMP exam questions ask you to choose which conflict resolution technique is : win-win, win-lose or lose-lose. From my study I have seen the ffg answers given:

Collaborating / Problem Solving: win-win
Forcing: win-lose
Compromising: lose-lose
Smoothing ?????
Withdrawal / Avoiding: ????

Kindly provide answers for Smoothing and Avoiding conflict situations..

Thanks and regards

Both Smoothing and Withdraw are lose-lose situations.

Pardha..

Thanks for your response Kevin but I guess the explanation given is not entirely correct and is a mix of both points.

Smooth / Accommodate emphasizes on areas of agreement rather than differences while Compromise / reconcile brings some degree of satisfaction to all parties.

Source: PMBOK page 283.

Kevin Reilly wrote: Hi Edward –

Smoothing (also known as Accommodating) and Compromising are both conflict resolution techniques that can be used in different situations. Smoothing emphasizes the common interests of the conflicting parties and de-emphasizes their differences. The Smoothing technique also stresses the adoption of shared viewpoints on certain issues to help facilitate movement toward a consensus and temporary resolution of the conflict. In this case, the project manager “accommodates” the other party so that they can both move on and get back to work on the project. It is important to note that Smoothing is considered to be a short-term solution and may have to be revisited at a later time. Smoothing is often used by project managers when it is important to provide temporary relief from the conflict or buy time until you are in a better position to respond and/or push back against the conflicting party. It is also used when the conflicting party “stands their ground” and refuses to budge on their viewpoint. In these cases, it is simply better for the project manager to accommodate this person since continuing the conflicting conversation would cause more harm than good to the project or other project team members.

On the other hand, Compromising emphasizes finding areas of agreement that bring some degree of satisfaction to all parties. The Compromising technique involves situations where each party engages in a discussion of “give and take”, each relinquishing a bit more of what they are expecting until a mutual agreement is reached. It is important to note that when using the Compromising technique, there is no distinct winner or loser and the decision reached is probably not ideal for either party, but is acceptable to both parties so that they can move on. Compromising should be used when the two parties are looking for an expedient and mutually acceptable solution that partially satisfies both parties. IT can also be used when the ultimate resolution of the conflict are of only moderate importance and not worth the use of more assertive or more involved approaches, such as forcing or collaborating.

I hope that helps you make the distinction between the Smoothing and Compromising conflict resolution techniques and when they are appropriate.

Thanks

Kevin

Smooth/Accommodate : lose-win
Withdrawal/Avoid: (Neutral) neutral-neutral

Who won in smoothing?

It is compromising , as the both parties are compromising to move on, in exchange of time and cost..

I would be careful with some of the explanations above, since the PMBOK 6th edition says on page 349 that Compromise/reconcile "bring some degree of satisfaction to all parties in order to temporarily or partially resolve the conflict..."
it does not have the same short term notation on smooth/accommodate description as mentioned by some members a few years ago.

Withdrawal (avoidance): Yield- lose situation
Smoothing (accommodating): Has no long term solution
Collaboration (problem solving): win-win situation
Compromising (reconciling) : lose - lose situation
Forcing (directing): win -lose situation; this is by far the worst

Thanks Kev! Although I better understand, they both still seem fairly similar and I'm worried about how to respond on my exam in two weeks. How can I decide between the two in the exam? Thanks

Hello project-management-prepcast.com admin, You always provide valuable feedback and suggestions.

I’ll say more more of ‘forcing.’ One party seems to be satisfying their concerns rather than respecting the concerns of the other party. Regarding ‘smoothing’ the sub-contractor wouldn’t consistently be delivering late. Since it’s usually short-term strategy.

Thanks