Which of the following is a primary cause of conflict?

Conflict often arises when individuals or groups have unmet needs or wants. This situation can create tension and adversarial interactions because when people feel that their essential requirements—be they emotional, physical, or situational—are not being addressed, they may respond defensively or aggressively.

In various scenarios, such as the workplace, unmet needs can manifest as miscommunication, misunderstandings, or unmet expectations, leading to frustration among team members or between officers and the communities they serve. Addressing these needs proactively through clear communication and effective problem-solving can help mitigate conflict, but when these needs go unrecognized or unfulfilled, conflict becomes more likely.

Options like high self-esteem, clear communication, or teamwork opportunities generally contribute positively to interactions and can help in conflict resolution, rather than being primary drivers of conflict themselves. Hence, unmet needs or wants stand out as a significant trigger for discord.