Which stage of conflict involves assessing the acceptable outcomes for all parties?

The stage of conflict that involves assessing the acceptable outcomes for all parties is felt conflict. During this stage, individuals begin to recognize their own needs and interests in relation to those of others and start to experience emotions associated with the conflict. This acknowledgment leads to a deeper understanding of the different perspectives and the need for resolution, where parties assess what outcomes might be satisfactory for each involved. It is a critical stage because it lays the groundwork for negotiation and conflict resolution strategies, as parties become more aware of their feelings and the implications for all stakeholders.

In contrast, latent conflict refers to a stage where underlying tensions exist but have not yet been recognized or expressed by the parties involved. Perceived conflict is where individuals recognize that there is a conflict, but they may not yet fully understand the interests or emotions of the other parties. Finally, manifest conflict is characterized by open, active confrontation and the expression of conflict, at which point feelings about acceptable outcomes are more tumultuous and may not be assessed as carefully as in the felt conflict stage.