Features

• The attitude of the aggressor in types of conflict is one of the main, if not the main, feature. In situations of constructive conflict, the person doing the complaining cares about the group, its function and its purpose. In destructive conflict, there is no care, only ego and the desire to dominate.
  
  

Types

• Constructive conflict is marked by a willingness to compromise. It is essentially the desire to air grievances for the sake of the group. This kind of conflict is about making the group more cohesive. Destructive conflict is about aggression, even destroying the group if the aggressor's needs are not met. It is a zero-sum game: I win only because you lose.
  
  

Function

• Those engaging in constructive conflict want to see a resolution for the sake of the group. If this kind of conflict is avoided, the group might never be able to see its weaknesses. Ultimately destructive conflict is about domination and control. Constructive conflict wants to see a stronger group. Reason, rather than angry emotion, guide constructive conflict.
  
  

Significance

• Modern societies are based on constructive conflict. This is the purpose of congressional debates, presidential elections and issue-based politics. The conflict remains constructive if basic ground rules are met: an interest in the good of the whole, fair play, and an avoidance of personal or emotional attacks. These sort of debates, within a legal and constitutional structure, are at the root of a healthy civic life. When debate becomes driven by hate, fear and negative emotions, it is destructive. At the extreme, violence, riot and civil war are the marks of destructive conflict in politics.
  
  

Benefits

• Destructive conflict, by its very existence, has no direct benefits. Indirect benefits might include the final dismissal of aggressors from the group, purging it of its negativity. Such conflict might also point to weaknesses in the group that constructive conflict can help solve. These remain indirect, as destructive conflict is disruptive and always directly harmful to the group. Constructive conflict is positive by its very nature.