Conflict vs Competition
Conflict and competition are common English words that we all hear and read about in newspapers, magazines, and discussions taking place on television. At first glance, it appears that there is no similarity between conflict and competition as we think of wars and skirmishes when we hear the word conflict whereas races and all types of sporting events come to our mind we think of competition. However, survival of the fittest theory by Charles Darwin and the very fact that each one of us is different allow for conflict in viewpoints as well as fight for control over limited resources. Let us take a closer look at conflict and competition.
Conflict
Each one of us is not only unique in the way we look and behave but also the way we think. There is bound to be conflict then even between members of a family, siblings, husband and wife, and even members of a team trying to achieve a common objective. Conflict is a word that connotes disagreement and discord that have the potential to lead to wars and skirmishes as between tribes, cultures and nations.
Conflict is a concept that tells us that all is not well between two individuals, peoples, organizations, or even countries. Conflict is a situation that arises when there is a lack of faith or trust, and there is animosity rather than friendliness.
Competition
When you are participating in a contest where there are many others contestants trying to win a trophy or any other prize, it is said to be a competition. Students in a class compete with each other not just to get the highest marks from the teacher but also to rise higher than others in the eyes of the teachers. Competition is not necessarily for getting one’s share of resources as in survival of the fittest theory where siblings fight with each other in a bid to outlive others. Competition can be there inside a family also where two brothers or sisters compete with each other for recognition and respect from parents or other members of the family.
What is the difference between Conflict and Competition?
• Conflict involves discord and disagreement whereas competition can take place without any clash or hard feelings.
• A competition indicates a contest where participants vie for the top spot whereas a conflict indicates a scuffle or a skirmish.
• Competition is a healthy process that encourages intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship whereas conflict crushes all such concepts.
• In real life, conflict is inevitable because all people are different from one another and different viewpoints lead to conflict.
• Organizing a competition to choose the best painter, singer, or a player encourages excellence among individuals as participants want to beat others to get top honors.
• Conflict and competition are two different types of social interaction that are, in addition to cooperation and accommodation.