Conflict Styles Assessment (Thomas-Kilmann Model)
The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) is the world benchmark for understanding how individuals handle interpersonal disagreements. It assesses conflict responses along two basic dimensions: Assertiveness (the extent to which you attempt to satisfy your own concerns) and Cooperativeness (the extent to which you attempt to satisfy the other person’s concerns).
What Your Score Report Includes
Upon completing all 15 items, you will immediately receive an in-depth psychometric breakdown calculated directly against empirical population norms.
Your Dominant Conflict Mode
Identification of your primary conflict default and secondary backup strategy.
Situational Effectiveness Matrix
When your style is most powerful and when overusing it causes unnecessary relationship friction.
Underutilized Strategy Blueprint
Actionable steps to expand your conflict repertoire for win-win outcomes.
Printable Dispute Guide
A clean reference card for couples conversations or team dispute debriefs.
Dimensions & Traits Evaluated
Our instrument measures variance across the following empirically validated psychological dimensions:
Focuses on winning one’s own position, defending rights, or enforcing quick decisive solutions.
Rarely forces issues; prefers gentle diplomacy or accommodating others.
Stands firm on vital principles while negotiating flexibly on minor matters.
Direct, assertive, outcome-focused; excels during urgent crises requiring decisive stands.
Working together to explore underlying concerns and craft win-win solutions that satisfy both parties.
Finds deep consensus-building tedious; prefers fast compromise or accommodation.
Collaborates on critical strategic dilemmas while keeping discussions pragmatic.
Deep listener, integrative thinker; seeks complete win-win resolutions that deepen trust.
Seeking an expedient, mutually acceptable middle ground that partially satisfies both parties.
Prefers digging deep for full solutions or fighting for primary goals.
Pragmatic negotiator; readily splits differences to maintain momentum.
Fair-minded, fast-moving; excels at finding equitable middle ground quickly.
Sidestepping, postponing, or withdrawing from a conflict diplomatically.
Confronts every disagreement immediately; does not shy away from tension.
Prudently steps back when tensions run high, returning when calm is restored.
Diplomatic, calm; protects emotional energy by avoiding non-essential disputes.
Neglecting one’s own concerns to satisfy the other party, prioritizing harmony and relationships.
Refuses to concede without compelling reason; advocates strongly for self.
Generous and accommodating on issues that matter far more to the partner.
Altruistic, harmonious, peace-loving; prioritizes relationship protection above personal preference.
Scientific Background & Psychometric Validity
Developed by Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann in 1974, the model establishes five distinct modes for handling interpersonal friction: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, and Accommodating.
No single mode is universally superior; emotional intelligence involves selecting the conflict mode best suited to the stakes, time constraints, and relational importance of the situation.
Most individuals habitually default to one or two modes under stress, often leaving other effective conflict strategies underutilized.
Who Should Take This Assessment
Partners, teammates, and leaders seeking to master dispute de-escalation and negotiation
Assessment Instructions
Answer spontaneously according to your true habits and feelings, rather than what you feel is 'ideal' or expected by others. There are no right or wrong answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Conflict Styles Assessment
No single style is universally best. For example, Competing is essential during safety emergencies; Collaborating is ideal for high-stakes relationships; and Accommodating is gracious when an issue matters greatly to the other person.
Ready to Discover Your Results?
Takes approximately 5 minutes. Completely free, anonymous, and calculated securely in your browser.
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View TestThese assessments are developed for self-reflection, personal growth, and educational insight. They do not constitute the provision of clinical diagnosis, medical counsel, or psychiatric treatment. All scoring algorithms execute 100% client-side in your local web browser.