INTER-COMPANY CONFLICTS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION METHODS Results of a Qualitative Research

Abstract: This article reveals the possible connections between the forms of cooperation and the conflict resolution methods in the case of the Hungarian suppliers ’ – manufacturers ’ relations. These connections are presented in the light of the results of a research made via interviews. The results showed that in these inter-company connections the companies try to prevent the conflicts by the establishment of long- term partnerships and the connections are coordinated not mostly by the contractual relationship but by the mutually negotiated common rules and trust. Keeping this partnership is a very important intent in the solution of conflicts, however, the unbalanced power relations, the internal organization structure of companies do not always make possible to apply a way of conflict management that could deepen the partnership. In spite of this, the institution of partnership and the type of the supplied products can cause a kind of interdependence that makes possible the co-operative conflict resolution methods