How many stages are there in conflict?

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. Five stages
• D. Four

Answer: (C)

Five stages describe how conflict develops: latent conflict, perceived conflict, felt conflict, manifest conflict, and post-conflict outcomes. This framework is widely taught because it helps you recognize warning signs early and choose appropriate actions to prevent escalation. In a maintenance environment, latent conflict might be unclear role responsibilities; perceived conflict occurs when someone notices a dispute over duties; felt conflict brings emotional tension; manifest conflict shows through direct confrontations or work delays; post-conflict outcomes determine whether teams reconcile and restore performance. That’s why the correct answer is five stages; other numbers either compress or split stages differently, but the standard model uses five distinct stages.