Conflict Analysis: From Causes to Peaceful Resolution

Understanding Conflict

Basic Characteristics of a Conflict

• Subject or grounds: The relationship of each person on that issue creates conflicting positions.
• Subjects with a different perspective: They have different ideas regarding the matter or wish for different solutions.
• Agreements: The parties try to settle the dispute by agreement or end the conflict through the same.

Causes of Conflict

Causes related to relationships between individuals, groups, or organizations:

• Differing interests or desires.
• Differences in values or beliefs.
• Personal clashes.
• Need to make a decision.

Individual Conflict at Work

Arises between an employee and an entrepreneur. Its purpose is the recognition of a subjective right of individual character.

Collective Conflict at Work

Arises between a group of workers as a whole and the company. Its purpose is to interest that is attributed to a group of workers understood as a collectivity.

Positive and Negative Conflicts

• Positive Conflict: It yields a result that favors the positions of the parties.
• Negative Conflict: It worsens the positions between individuals or groups involved.

Peaceful and Aggressive Conflicts

• Peaceful Conflict: The parties involved use nonviolent means for conflict resolution.
• Aggressive Conflict: Peaceful means such as dialogue or negotiation are not used for resolution.

Stages in Conflict Resolution

• Approach and definition of the conflict: It is important to look after the contact with people or groups that are being faced.
• Study of causes and elements: Thorough analysis of the origins of the problem and the environment surrounding the situation.
• Create possible solutions: Definition of possible solutions and study their consequences.
• Election of a solution and evaluating the decision: Among the many solutions, one is elected, and the cause for which it was chosen is reasoned.

Peaceful Settlement of Conflicts

• Reconciliation: A definitive agreement of the parties to reach a solution to the conflict.
• Mediation: A person other than the parties and outside the conflict presents information and suggested solutions.
• Arbitration: Involves the intervention of a third party, called the arbitrator, who has the obligation to resolve the problem by issuing a ruling.