Are you looking to learn more about the stages of conflict? Introduction to Stages of Conflict A great source to start to understand conflict, and specifically the stages of conflict, is the article by Louis R. Pondy, entitled Organizational Conflict: Concepts and Models (Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 12, No. 2 (Sep., 1967), pp. 296-320). Although the article is from the 1960s, the analysis is still applicable today, whether with respect to a conflict in the workplace, a separation or divorce or an international dispute. Be sure to see our blog on Levels of Conflict , which compliments the information here about stages of conflict. Defining conflict Conflict cannot be simply defined as some of the manifestations of conflict, like anger , stress or even behaviour such as hitting someone. Pondy suggests that conflict is best understood as a dynamic process made of a series of ‘conflict episodes’. Pondy likens the definition of conflict to the def