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'''Conflict resolution''' is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of [[Conflict (process)|conflict]] and [[Revenge|retribution]]. Committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest of group (e.g., intentions; reasons for holding certain beliefs) and by engaging in collective [[negotiation]].<ref name=F>{{cite book|author-link1=Donelson R. Forsyth |last1=Forsyth |first1=Donelson R. |date=19 March 2009 |title=Group Dynamics |edition= 5th |location=Boston, MA |publisher=Wadsworth [[Cengage Learning]] |isbn=978-0495599524 }}</ref> Dimensions of resolution typically parallel the dimensions of conflict in the way the conflict is processed. Cognitive resolution is the way disputants understand and view the conflict, with beliefs, perspectives, understandings and attitudes. Emotional resolution is in the way disputants feel about a conflict, the emotional energy. Behavioral resolution is reflective of how the disputants act, their behavior.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mayer |first1=Bernard |date=27 March 2012 |title=The Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention |edition= 2nd |location=San Francisco, CA |publisher=Jossey-Bass |isbn=978-0470613535 }}</ref> Ultimately a wide range of methods and procedures for addressing conflict exist, including [[negotiation]], [[mediation]], mediation-arbitration,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-conflict-resolution.htm|title=Conflict Resolution|last=Methods|first=Conflict Resolution|date=14 March 2016|work=14 March 2016|access-date=14 March 2016|via=wisegeek}}</ref> [[diplomacy]], and creative [[peacebuilding]].<ref>Rapoport, A. (1989). The origins of violence: Approaches to the study of conflict. New York, NY: Paragon House.</ref><ref>Rapoport, A. (1992). Peace: An idea whose time has come. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.</ref>
'''Conflict resolution''' is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of [[Conflict (process)|conflict]] and [[Revenge|retribution]]. Committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest of group (e.g., intentions; reasons for holding certain beliefs) and by engaging in collective [[negotiation]].<ref name="Forsyth2019">{{cite book|author-link1=Donelson R. Forsyth |last1=Forsyth |first1=Donelson R. |date=19 March 2009 |title=Group Dynamics |edition= 5th |location=Boston, MA |publisher=Wadsworth [[Cengage Learning]] |isbn=978-0495599524 }}</ref> Dimensions of resolution typically parallel the dimensions of conflict in the way the conflict is processed. Cognitive resolution is the way disputants understand and view the conflict, with beliefs, perspectives, understandings and attitudes. Emotional resolution is in the way disputants feel about a conflict, the emotional energy. Behavioral resolution is reflective of how the disputants act, their behavior.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mayer |first1=Bernard |date=27 March 2012 |title=The Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention |edition= 2nd |location=San Francisco, CA |publisher=Jossey-Bass |isbn=978-0470613535 }}</ref> Ultimately a wide range of methods and procedures for addressing conflict exist, including [[negotiation]], [[mediation]], mediation-arbitration, [[diplomacy]], and creative [[peacebuilding]].<ref>Rapoport, A. (1989). The origins of violence: Approaches to the study of conflict. New York, NY: Paragon House.</ref><ref>Rapoport, A. (1992). Peace: An idea whose time has come. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.</ref>


[[Dispute resolution]] is conflict resolution limited to [[law]], such as arbitration and litigation processes.<ref>Burton, J. (1990) Conflict: Resolution and Prevention. New York: St Martin's Press.</ref> The concept of conflict resolution can be thought to encompass the use of nonviolent resistance measures by conflicted parties in an attempt to promote effective resolution.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Roberts |editor1-first=Adam |editor2-last=Ash |editor2-first=Timothy Garton |date=3 September 2009 |title=Civil Resistance and Power Politics:The Experience of Non-violent Action from Gandhi to the Present |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=9780199552016 }}</ref>
== Characteristics ==


== Theories and models ==
[[Peter Wallensteen| Wallensteen]] defines <dfn>conflict resolution</dfn> (for [[peace and conflict studies]]) as:
There are a plethora of different theories and models linked to the concept of conflict resolution. A few of them are described below.


=== Conflict resolution curve ===
{{Blockquote|[S]ocial situation where the armed conflicting parties in a (voluntarily) agreement resolve to live peacefully with – and/or dissolve – their basic incompatibilities and henceforth cease to use arms against one another.<ref name="Wallensteen 2015">{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen|first=Peter|publisher=SAGE Publications|year=2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=57|oclc=900795950}}</ref>}}
There are many examples of conflict resolution in history, and there has been a debate about the ways to conflict resolution: whether it should be forced or peaceful. Conflict resolution by peaceful means is generally perceived to be a better option. The conflict resolution curve derived from an analytical model that offers a peaceful solution by motivating conflicting entities.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Tuhin K. |title=Regret Analysis Towards Conflict Resolution |date=2018 |journal=SSRN |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3173490 |ssrn=3173490 |s2cid=216920077 }}</ref> Forced resolution of conflict might invoke another conflict in the future.
 
The "conflicting parties" concerned in this definition are formally or informally organized groups engaged in intrastate or interstate conflict.<ref name="Larson">{{cite journal |last1=Larson |first1=Jennifer M. |title=Networks of Conflict and Cooperation |journal=Annual Review of Political Science |date=11 May 2021 |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=89–107 |doi=10.1146/annurev-polisci-041719-102523 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Balcells">{{cite journal |last1=Balcells |first1=Laia |last2=Stanton |first2=Jessica A. |title=Violence Against Civilians During Armed Conflict: Moving Beyond the Macro- and Micro-Level Divide |journal=Annual Review of Political Science |date=11 May 2021 |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=45–69 |doi=10.1146/annurev-polisci-041719-102229 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
'Basic incompatibility' refers to a severe disagreement between at least two sides where their demands cannot be met by the same resources at the same time.<ref name="Wallensteen 2015" />
 
=== Territoriality ===
[[File:Dayan and el Tell.jpg|thumb|[[Moshe Dayan]] and [[Abdullah el Tell]] reach a ceasefire agreement during the [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]] in Jerusalem on 30 November 1948.]]
According to conflict database [[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]'s definition, [[war]] may occur between parties who contest an incompatibility. The nature of an incompatibility can be [[territory (country subdivision)|territorial]] or [[governmental]], but a warring party must be a "government of a state or any opposition organization or alliance of organizations that uses [[armed force]] to promote its position in the incompatibility in an intrastate or an interstate armed conflict".<ref>[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]. "[http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Warring_party_2 Definitions: Warring party]". Accessed April 2013.</ref> Wars can conclude with a [[peace agreement]], which is a "formal agreement... which addresses the disputed incompatibility, either by settling all or part of it, or by clearly outlining a process for how [...] to regulate the incompatibility."<ref>[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]. "[http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Peace_agreement Definitions: Peace agreement]". Accessed April 2013.</ref>
 
A [[ceasefire]] is another form of agreement made by warring parties; unlike a peace agreement, it only "regulates the conflict behaviour of warring parties", and does not resolve the issue that brought the parties to war in the first place.<ref>[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]. "[http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Ceasefire_agreements Ceasefire agreements]". Accessed April 2013.</ref>
 
[[Peacekeeping]] measures may be deployed to avoid violence in solving such incompatibilities.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bellamy|first1=Alex J.|last2=Williams|first2=Paul|title=Understanding Peacekeeping|date=29 March 2010|publisher=Polity|isbn=978-0-7456-4186-7}}</ref> Beginning in the last century, political theorists have been developing the theory of a [[global peace system]] that relies upon broad social and political measures to avoid war in the interest of achieving [[world peace]].<ref name="RamSummy2007">{{cite encyclopedia |last=McElwee|first=Timothy A. |editor1-first=Senthil |editor1-last=Ram |editor2-first=Ralph |editor2-last=Summy|encyclopedia=Nonviolence: An Alternative for Defeating Global Terror(ism) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yopi-nCzQF8C&pg=PA187|year=2007 |publisher=[[Nova Science Publishers]] |isbn=978-1-60021-812-5 |title=The Role of UN Police in Nonviolently Countering Terrorism |pages=187–210}}</ref> The Blue Peace approach developed by [[Strategic Foresight Group]] facilitates cooperation between countries over shared water resources, thus reducing the risk of war and enabling sustainable development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategicforesight.com/publication_pdf/28458Lessons+Learnt.pdf|title=Strategic Foresight Group - Anticipating and Influencing Global Future|website=www.strategicforesight.com}}</ref>
 
The escalating costs of conflict have increased use of third parties who may serve as a conflict specialists to resolve conflicts. In fact, relief and development organizations have added peace-building specialists to their teams.<ref>{{cite journal|year=2016|title=Conflict management capabilities of peace-brokering international organizations, 1945–2010: A new dataset|journal=Conflict Management and Peace Science|volume=33|issue=2|pages=198–223|last1=Lundgren|first1=Magnus|doi=10.1177/0738894215572757|s2cid=156002204}}</ref> Many major international [[non-governmental organizations]] have seen a growing need to hire practitioners trained in conflict analysis and resolution. Furthermore, this expansion has resulted in the need for conflict resolution practitioners to work in a variety of settings such as in businesses, court systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions throughout the world. [[Democracy]] has a positive influence on conflict resolution.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002793037001002 | doi=10.1177/0022002793037001002 | title=Democracy and the Management of International Conflict | date=1993 | last1=Dixon | first1=William J. | journal=Journal of Conflict Resolution | volume=37 | pages=42–68 | url-access=subscription }}</ref>
 
== Models ==
 
===Modes===
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Ruble and Thomas transposed the [[managerial grid model]] in terms of conflict resolution. They adapted the classification scheme to dimensions identified in conflict research that represent a range of behaviors beyond the dichotomy between cooperation and competition. The X-axis evaluates  [[cooperativity]], the extent by which mutual goals are achieved. The Y-axis evaluates [[assertiveness]], how parties insist on carrying their own objectives.<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1016/0030-5073(76)90010-6| issn = 0030-5073| volume = 16| issue = 1| pages = 143–155| last1 = Ruble| first1 = Thomas L.| last2 = Thomas| first2 = Kenneth W.| title = Support for a two-dimensional model of conflict behavior| journal = Organizational Behavior and Human Performance| access-date = 2025-06-02| date = 1976-06-01| url = https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0030507376900106 |quote=The overwhelming majority of studies on organizational conflict have treated conflict as a unidimensional variable. In many respects, the study of conflict behavior has been the study of "cooperation" vs. "competition," a single dimension which has reduced the complexity of conflict phenomena to an easily manageable level.| url-access = subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal| volume = 7| last1 = Ruble| first1 = Thomas L.| last2 = Cosier| first2 = Richard A.| title = An Exercise in Conflict-Handling Behavior| journal = Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning| access-date = 2025-06-02| date = 1980-03-13| url = https://absel-ojs-ttu.tdl.org/absel/article/view/2556}}</ref>
 
Thomas and Kilmann extended that grid with a rating system for five modes of behavior. When parties are assertive but their objectives lack compatibility, they become [[rivalry|competitive]]; when parties are assertive toward compatible objectives, they can be [[collaboration|collaborating]]; when no party prioritizes objectives that are mutually exclusive, they can display [[avoidance behavior|avoidance]]; parties can be  [[conciliation|accommodating]] when assertiveness is low but cooperativity is high; when there is no real bias toward assertiveness and cooperativity, compromising can obtain.<ref>{{Cite journal| issn = 0894-3796| volume = 13| issue = 3| pages = 265–274| last = Thomas| first = Kenneth W.| title = Conflict and Conflict Management: Reflections and Update| journal = Journal of Organizational Behavior| access-date = 2025-06-02| date = 1992| url = https://www.jstor.org/stable/2488472| jstor = 2488472}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.2466/pr0.1978.42.3c.1139| issn = 0033-2941| volume = 42| issue = 3_suppl| pages = 1139–1145| last1 = Thomas| first1 = Kenneth W.| last2 = Kilmann| first2 = Ralph H.| title = Comparison of Four Instruments Measuring Conflict Behavior| journal = Psychological Reports| access-date = 2025-06-02| date = 1978-06-01| url = https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1978.42.3c.1139| url-access = subscription}}</ref>
 
However, not every style leads to an acceptable result in every situation. For example, a collaboration does not work if the goals of the two conflict parties are immutable and mutually exclusive. The different styles have different advantages and disadvantages.<ref name="Fleischer">Werner Fleischer, Benedikt Fleischer, Martin Monninger: ‘‘Role and behavior profiles: Resolving conflicts constructively. Volume 4.’’ Kohlhammer, 2022, ISBN 978-3-17-035778-5, pp. 114–121.</ref> Depending on the situation, different conflict styles can be considered desirable to achieve the best results.<ref>Paul Anker: ‘‘Mastering Conflicts. Handbook for Scrum Masters in Agile Teams.’’ Tredition, 2023, ISBN 978-3-347-98519-3.</ref>
 
===Dual concern===
The dual concern model of conflict resolution is a conceptual perspective that assumes individuals' preferred method of dealing with conflict is based on two underlying themes or dimensions: concern for self ([[assertiveness]]) and concern for others ([[empathy]]).<ref name="Forsyth2019" /> According to the model, group members balance their concern for satisfying personal needs and interests with their concern for satisfying the needs and interests of others in different ways. The intersection of these two dimensions ultimately leads individuals towards exhibiting different styles of conflict resolution.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Goldfien |first1=Jeffrey H. |last2=Robbennolt |first2=Jennifer K. |date=2007 |title=What if the lawyers have their way? An empirical assessment of conflict strategies and attitudes toward mediation styles. |journal=Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=277–320 }}</ref> The dual model identifies five [[group conflict]] resolution styles or strategies that individuals may use depending on their dispositions toward pro-self or [[prosocial behavior|pro-social]] goals.
'''Avoidance'''
: Characterized by joking, changing or avoiding the topic, or even denying that a problem exists, the [[conflict avoidance]] style is used when an individual has withdrawn in dealing with the other party, when one is uncomfortable with conflict, or due to cultural contexts.<ref group=nb>For example, in Chinese culture, reasons for avoidance include sustaining a good mood, protecting the avoider, and other philosophical and spiritual reasonings (Feng and Wilson 2011).{{full citation needed|date=December 2014}}</ref> During conflict, these avoiders adopt a "wait and see" attitude, often allowing conflict to phase out on its own without any personal involvement.<ref name=J>{{cite journal |last1=Bayazit |first1=Mahmut |last2=Mannix |first2=Elizabeth A |date=2003 |title=Should I stay or should I go? Predicting team members intent to remain in the team.Placed there on purpose with unlieing motives. |journal=Small Group Research |volume=32 |issue=3 |pages=290–321 |doi=10.1177/1046496403034003002 |s2cid=144220387 }}</ref> By neglecting to address high-conflict situations, avoiders risk allowing problems to fester or spin out of control.
 
'''Accommodating'''
: In contrast, yielding, "accommodating", smoothing or [[thought suppression|suppression]] conflict styles are characterized by a high level of concern for others and a low level of concern for oneself. This passive pro-social approach emerges when individuals derive personal satisfaction from meeting the needs of others and have a general concern for maintaining stable, positive social relationships.<ref name="Forsyth2019" /> When faced with conflict, individuals with an accommodating conflict style tend to harmonize into others' demands out of respect for the social relationship. With this sense of yielding to the conflict, individuals fall back to others' input instead of finding solutions with their own intellectual resolution.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Morrison|first=Jeanne|date=2008|title=The relationship between emotional intelligence competencies and preferred conflict-handling styles|journal=Journal of Nursing Management|language=en|volume=16|issue=8|pages=974–983|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2834.2008.00876.x|pmid=19094110|issn=1365-2834|doi-access=free}}</ref>
 
'''Competitive'''
: The [[Competition|competitive]], "fighting" or forcing conflict style maximizes individual assertiveness (i.e., concern for self) and minimizes empathy (i.e., concern for others). Groups consisting of competitive members generally enjoy seeking domination over others, and typically see conflict as a "win or lose" predicament.<ref name="Forsyth2019" /> Fighters tend to force others to accept their personal views by employing competitive power tactics (arguments, insults, accusations or even violence) that foster intimidation.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morrill |first1=Calvin |year=1995 |title=The Executive Way: Conflict Management in Corporations |url=https://archive.org/details/executivewayconf00morr |location=Chicago, US |publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |isbn=978-0-226-53873-0 |lccn=94033344 }}</ref>
 
'''Conciliation'''
: The [[conciliation]], "compromising", bargaining or negotiation conflict style is typical of individuals who possess an intermediate level of concern for both personal and others' outcomes. Compromisers value fairness and, in doing so, anticipate mutual give-and-take interactions.<ref name=J/> By accepting some demands put forth by others, compromisers believe this agreeableness will encourage others to meet them halfway, thus promoting conflict resolution.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Van de Vliert |first1=Evert |last2=Euwema |first2=Martin C. |date=1994 |title=Agreeableness and activeness as components of conflict behaviors. |journal=Journal of Personality and Social Psychology |volume=66 |issue=4 |pages=674–687 |doi=10.1037/0022-3514.66.4.674 |pmid=8189346 }}</ref> This conflict style can be considered an extension of both "yielding" and "cooperative" strategies.<ref name="Forsyth2019" />
 
'''Cooperation'''
: Characterized by an active concern for both pro-social and pro-self behavior, the [[cooperation]], integration, confrontation or problem-solving conflict style is typically used when an individual has elevated interests in their own outcomes as well as in the outcomes of others. During conflict, cooperators collaborate with others in an effort to find an amicable solution that satisfies all parties involved in the conflict. Individuals using this type of conflict style tend to be both highly assertive and highly empathetic.<ref name=J/> By seeing conflict as a creative opportunity, collaborators willingly invest time and resources into finding a "win-win" solution.<ref name="Forsyth2019" /> According to the literature on conflict resolution, a cooperative conflict resolution style is recommended above all others. This resolution may be achieved by lowering the aggressor's guard while raising the ego.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sternberg |first1=Robert J. |last2=Dobson |first2=Diane M. |date=1987 |title=Resolving interpersonal conflicts: An analysis of stylistic consistency. |journal=[[Journal of Personality and Social Psychology]] |volume=52 |issue=4 |pages=794–812 |doi=10.1037/0022-3514.52.4.794 |issn=0022-3514 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jarboe |first1=Susan C. |last2=Witteman |first2=Hal R. |date=1996 |title=Intragroup conflict management in task-oriented groups: The influence of problem sources and problem analyses. |journal=Small Group Research |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=316–338 |doi=10.1177/1046496496272007 |s2cid=145442320 }}</ref>
 
=== Regret analysis ===
The conflict resolution curve derived from an analytical model that offers a peaceful solution by motivating conflicting entities.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Tuhin K. |title=Regret Analysis Towards Conflict Resolution |date=2018 |journal=SSRN |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3173490 |ssrn=3173490 |s2cid=216920077 }}</ref> Forced resolution of conflict might invoke another conflict in the future.


Conflict resolution curve (CRC) separates conflict styles into two separate domains: domain of competing entities and domain of accommodating entities. There is a sort of agreement between targets and aggressors on this curve. Their judgements of badness compared to goodness of each other are analogous on CRC. So, arrival of conflicting entities to some negotiable points on CRC is important before peace building. CRC does not exist (i.e., singular) in reality if the aggression of the aggressor is certain. Under such circumstances it might lead to apocalypse with mutual destruction.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Tuhin K. |title=Conflict Resolution Curve: Concept and Reality |journal=SSRN |date=2018 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3196791 |ssrn=3196791 |s2cid=219337801 }}</ref>
Conflict resolution curve (CRC) separates conflict styles into two separate domains: domain of competing entities and domain of accommodating entities. There is a sort of agreement between targets and aggressors on this curve. Their judgements of badness compared to goodness of each other are analogous on CRC. So, arrival of conflicting entities to some negotiable points on CRC is important before peace building. CRC does not exist (i.e., singular) in reality if the aggression of the aggressor is certain. Under such circumstances it might lead to apocalypse with mutual destruction.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Tuhin K. |title=Conflict Resolution Curve: Concept and Reality |journal=SSRN |date=2018 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3196791 |ssrn=3196791 |s2cid=219337801 }}</ref>
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The curve explains why nonviolent struggles ultimately toppled repressive regimes and sometimes forced leaders to change the nature of governance. Also, this methodology has been applied to capture conflict styles on the Korean Peninsula and dynamics of negotiation processes.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Tuhin K. |last2=Datta Ray |journal=SSRN |first2=Ishita |title=North Korea's Peace Building in the Light of Conflict Resolution Curve |date=2018 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3193759 |ssrn=3193759}}</ref>
The curve explains why nonviolent struggles ultimately toppled repressive regimes and sometimes forced leaders to change the nature of governance. Also, this methodology has been applied to capture conflict styles on the Korean Peninsula and dynamics of negotiation processes.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Das |first1=Tuhin K. |last2=Datta Ray |journal=SSRN |first2=Ishita |title=North Korea's Peace Building in the Light of Conflict Resolution Curve |date=2018 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3193759 |ssrn=3193759}}</ref>


===Dual concern model===
=== Four-sides ===
The dual concern model of conflict resolution is a conceptual perspective that assumes individuals' preferred method of dealing with conflict is based on two underlying themes or dimensions: concern for self ([[assertiveness]]) and concern for others ([[empathy]]).<ref name=F/>
In the third step, the actual conflict of interest is identified and mutual understanding for the interest of the other party is developed. This requires understanding and respecting the underlying [[values]] and [[motivations]]. According to the [[four-sides model]] by [[Friedemann Schulz von Thun]], there are two levels of information in every statement: the content level and the emotional or [[Interpersonal relationship|relationship]] level.<ref>[[Friedemann Schulz von Thun]]: ‘’[[Talking to Each Other]].‘’ Volume 1: ‘‘Disturbances and Clarifications. Psychology of interpersonal communication’’. Rowohlt, Reinbek 1981, ISBN 3-499-17489-8.</ref> Both levels contain interests, the differences of which to the other conflict party should be balanced as much as possible. Then a [[win-win]] solution for the conflict can be developed together.
 
=== Circle of Conflict ===


According to the model, group members balance their concern for satisfying personal needs and interests with their concern for satisfying the needs and interests of others in different ways. The intersection of these two dimensions ultimately leads individuals towards exhibiting different styles of conflict resolution.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Goldfien |first1=Jeffrey H. |last2=Robbennolt |first2=Jennifer K. |date=2007 |title=What if the lawyers have their way? An empirical assessment of conflict strategies and attitudes toward mediation styles. |journal=Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=277–320 }}</ref> The dual model identifies five [[group conflict|conflict]] resolution styles or strategies that individuals may use depending on their dispositions toward pro-self or [[prosocial behavior|pro-social]] goals.
Christopher W. Moore's "Circle of conflict" model, first published in 1986, emphasizes five sources of conflict:
   
* '''data''': information, interpretation, incompleteness;
'''Avoidance conflict style'''
* '''relationship''': personal dynamics, miscommunication, misbehaviors;
: Characterized by joking, changing or avoiding the topic, or even denying that a problem exists, the [[conflict avoidance]] style is used when an individual has withdrawn in dealing with the other party, when one is uncomfortable with conflict, or due to cultural contexts.<ref group=nb>For example, in Chinese culture, reasons for avoidance include sustaining a good mood, protecting the avoider, and other philosophical and spiritual reasonings (Feng and Wilson 2011).{{full citation needed|date=December 2014}}</ref> During conflict, these avoiders adopt a "wait and see" attitude, often allowing conflict to phase out on its own without any personal involvement.<ref name=J>{{cite journal |last1=Bayazit |first1=Mahmut |last2=Mannix |first2=Elizabeth A |date=2003 |title=Should I stay or should I go? Predicting team members intent to remain in the team.Placed there on purpose with unlieing motives. |journal=Small Group Research |volume=32 |issue=3 |pages=290–321 |doi=10.1177/1046496403034003002 |s2cid=144220387 }}</ref> By neglecting to address high-conflict situations, avoiders risk allowing problems to fester or spin out of control.
* '''value''': incompatible beliefs, principles, or priorities;
* '''structure''': organization failures, power imbalances, resource constraints;
* '''interests''': needs, desires, incentives, procedures.
 
Conflicts may have multiple sources. Identifying the source of the conflict ought to facilitate its resolution.<ref>{{Cite book| publisher = John Wiley & Sons| isbn = 978-1-118-42152-9| last = Moore| first = Christopher W.| title = The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict| date = 2014-04-07}}</ref>


'''Accommodating conflict style'''
=== Nonviolent communication (NVC) ===
: In contrast, yielding, "accommodating", smoothing or [[thought suppression|suppression]] conflict styles are characterized by a high level of concern for others and a low level of concern for oneself. This passive pro-social approach emerges when individuals derive personal satisfaction from meeting the needs of others and have a general concern for maintaining stable, positive social relationships.<ref name=F/> When faced with conflict, individuals with an accommodating conflict style tend to harmonize into others' demands out of respect for the social relationship. With this sense of yielding to the conflict, individuals fall back to others' input instead of finding solutions with their own intellectual resolution.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Morrison|first=Jeanne|date=2008|title=The relationship between emotional intelligence competencies and preferred conflict-handling styles|journal=Journal of Nursing Management|language=en|volume=16|issue=8|pages=974–983|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2834.2008.00876.x|pmid=19094110|issn=1365-2834|doi-access=free}}</ref>


'''Competitive conflict style'''
{{excerpt|Nonviolent communication|paragraph=2}}
: The [[Competition|competitive]], "fighting" or forcing conflict style maximizes individual assertiveness (i.e., concern for self) and minimizes empathy (i.e., concern for others). Groups consisting of competitive members generally enjoy seeking domination over others, and typically see conflict as a "win or lose" predicament.<ref name=F/> Fighters tend to force others to accept their personal views by employing competitive power tactics (arguments, insults, accusations or even violence) that foster intimidation.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morrill |first1=Calvin |year=1995 |title=The Executive Way: Conflict Management in Corporations |url=https://archive.org/details/executivewayconf00morr |location=Chicago, US |publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |isbn=978-0-226-53873-0 |lccn=94033344 }}</ref>


'''Conciliation conflict style'''
== Theories ==
: The [[conciliation]], "compromising", bargaining or negotiation conflict style is typical of individuals who possess an intermediate level of concern for both personal and others' outcomes. Compromisers value fairness and, in doing so, anticipate mutual give-and-take interactions.<ref name=J/> By accepting some demands put forth by others, compromisers believe this agreeableness will encourage others to meet them halfway, thus promoting conflict resolution.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Van de Vliert |first1=Evert |last2=Euwema |first2=Martin C. |date=1994 |title=Agreeableness and activeness as components of conflict behaviors. |journal=Journal of Personality and Social Psychology |volume=66 |issue=4 |pages=674–687 |doi=10.1037/0022-3514.66.4.674 |pmid=8189346 }}</ref> This conflict style can be considered an extension of both "yielding" and "cooperative" strategies.<ref name=F/>


'''Cooperation conflict style'''
=== Relational dialectics ===
: Characterized by an active concern for both pro-social and pro-self behavior, the [[cooperation]], integration, confrontation or problem-solving conflict style is typically used when an individual has elevated interests in their own outcomes as well as in the outcomes of others. During conflict, cooperators collaborate with others in an effort to find an amicable solution that satisfies all parties involved in the conflict. Individuals using this type of conflict style tend to be both highly assertive and highly empathetic.<ref name=J/> By seeing conflict as a creative opportunity, collaborators willingly invest time and resources into finding a "win-win" solution.<ref name=F/> According to the literature on conflict resolution, a cooperative conflict resolution style is recommended above all others. This resolution may be achieved by lowering the aggressor's guard while raising the ego.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sternberg |first1=Robert J. |last2=Dobson |first2=Diane M. |date=1987 |title=Resolving interpersonal conflicts: An analysis of stylistic consistency. |journal=[[Journal of Personality and Social Psychology]] |volume=52 |issue=4 |pages=794–812 |doi=10.1037/0022-3514.52.4.794 |issn=0022-3514 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jarboe |first1=Susan C. |last2=Witteman |first2=Hal R. |date=1996 |title=Intragroup conflict management in task-oriented groups: The influence of problem sources and problem analyses. |journal=Small Group Research |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=316–338 |doi=10.1177/1046496496272007 |s2cid=145442320 }}</ref>


=== Relational dialectics theory ===
{{excerpt| Relational dialectics| paragraphs=1}}
Relational dialectics theory (RDT), introduced by [[Leslie A. Baxter|Leslie Baxter]] and Barbara Matgomery (1988),<ref>Baxter, L. A. (1988). A dialectical perspective of communication strategies in relationship development. In S. Duck. (Ed.) Handbook of personal relationships (pp. 257–273). New York: Wiley.</ref><ref>Montgomery, Barbara. (1988). "A Dialectical Analysis of the Tensions, Functions and Strategic Challenges of Communication in Young Adult Friendships,"Communication Yearbook 12, ed. James A. Anderson (Newbury, CA: Sage), 157–189.</ref> explores the ways in which people in relationships use verbal communication to manage conflict and contradiction as opposed to psychology. This concept focuses on maintaining a relationship even through contradictions that arise and how relationships are managed through coordinated talk. RDT assumes that relationships are composed of opposing tendencies, are constantly changing, and tensions arises from intimate relationships.


The main concepts of RDT are:
The main concepts of relational dialectics are:


* Contradictions – The concept is that the contrary has the characteristics of its opposite. People can seek to be in a relationship but still need their space.
* Contradictions – The concept is that the contrary has the characteristics of its opposite. People can seek to be in a relationship but still need their space.
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=== Strategy of conflict ===
=== Strategy of conflict ===
Strategy of conflict, by [[Thomas Schelling]], is the study of negotiation during conflict and [[Strategic management|strategic behavior]] that results in the development of "conflict behavior". This idea is based largely on [[game theory]]. In "A Reorientation of Game Theory", Schelling discusses ways in which one can redirect the focus of a conflict in order to gain advantage over an opponent.
[[Thomas Schelling]] applied [[game theory]] to situations where the outcome is not [[zero-sum]].<ref>{{Cite journal| issn = 0022-0027| volume = 2| issue = 3| pages = 203–264| last = Schelling| first = Thomas C.| title = The Strategy of Conflict Prospectus for a Reorientation of Game Theory| journal = The Journal of Conflict Resolution| access-date = 2025-06-01| date = 1958| url = https://www.jstor.org/stable/172793| jstor = 172793}}</ref>


* Conflict is a contest. Rational behavior, in this contest, is a matter of judgment and perception.
* Conflict is a contest. Rational behavior, in this contest, is a matter of judgment and perception.
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* Cooperation is always temporary, interests will change.
* Cooperation is always temporary, interests will change.


=== Peace and conflict studies ===
===Ripeness===
 
{{Excerpt|Peacebuilding#Theory|paragraphs=1,2}}
Within [[peace and conflict studies]] a definition of conflict resolution is presented in [[Peter Wallensteen|Peter Wallensteen's]] book ''Understanding Conflict Resolution'':
 
{{Blockquote|Conflict resolution is a social situation where the armed conflicting parties in a (voluntarily) agreement resolve to live peacefully with – and/or dissolve – their basic incompatibilities and henceforth cease to use arms against one another.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen|first=Peter|publisher=SAGE Publications|year=2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=57|oclc=900795950}}</ref>}}


The "conflicting parties" concerned in this definition are formally or informally organized groups engaged in intrastate or interstate conflict.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen |first=Peter|date=7 May 2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=20|oclc=900795950}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Warring_party_2|title="Actors" definition – Department of Peace and Conflict Research – Uppsala University, Sweden|last=Allansson|first=Marie|website=pcr.uu.se|language=en|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref name="Larson">{{cite journal |last1=Larson |first1=Jennifer M. |title=Networks of Conflict and Cooperation |journal=Annual Review of Political Science |date=11 May 2021 |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=89–107 |doi=10.1146/annurev-polisci-041719-102523 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Balcells">{{cite journal |last1=Balcells |first1=Laia |last2=Stanton |first2=Jessica A. |title=Violence Against Civilians During Armed Conflict: Moving Beyond the Macro- and Micro-Level Divide |journal=Annual Review of Political Science |date=11 May 2021 |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=45–69 |doi=10.1146/annurev-polisci-041719-102229 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
=== Mechanisms ===
'Basic incompatibility' refers to a severe disagreement between at least two sides where their demands cannot be met by the same resources at the same time.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen |first=Peter |date=7 May 2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=17|oclc=900795950}}</ref>
 
===Peacebuilding theory===
{{Excerpt|Peacebuilding#Theory of peacebuilding}}
 
=== Conflict resolution mechanisms ===
One theory discussed within the field of peace and conflict studies is conflict resolution mechanisms: independent procedures in which the conflicting parties can have confidence. They can be formal or informal arrangements with the intention of resolving the conflict.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen |first=Peter |date=7 May 2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=41|oclc=900795950}}</ref> In ''Understanding Conflict Resolution'' Wallensteen draws from the works of [[Lewis A. Coser]], [[Johan Galtung]] and [[Thomas Schelling]], and presents seven distinct theoretical mechanisms for conflict resolutions:<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen |first=Peter |date=7 May 2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=56–58|oclc=900795950}}</ref>
One theory discussed within the field of peace and conflict studies is conflict resolution mechanisms: independent procedures in which the conflicting parties can have confidence. They can be formal or informal arrangements with the intention of resolving the conflict.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen |first=Peter |date=7 May 2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=41|oclc=900795950}}</ref> In ''Understanding Conflict Resolution'' Wallensteen draws from the works of [[Lewis A. Coser]], [[Johan Galtung]] and [[Thomas Schelling]], and presents seven distinct theoretical mechanisms for conflict resolutions:<ref>{{Cite book|title=Understanding conflict resolution|last=Wallensteen |first=Peter |date=7 May 2015|isbn=9781473902107|edition= Fourth|location=Los Angeles|pages=56–58|oclc=900795950}}</ref>


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# Some issues can be ''left for later''. The argument for this is that political conditions and popular attitudes can change, and some issues can gain from being delayed, as their significance may pale with time.
# Some issues can be ''left for later''. The argument for this is that political conditions and popular attitudes can change, and some issues can gain from being delayed, as their significance may pale with time.


== Intrastate and interstate ==
Nicholson notes that a conflict is resolved when the inconsistency between wishes and actions of parties is resolved.<ref name="Nicholson-1992">{{cite book |first1=Michael |last1=Nicholson |title=Rationality and the analysis of international conflict |publisher=Cambridge University Press |date=1992 |isbn=0-521-39125-3 |language=de |oclc=23687612}}</ref> [[Negotiation]] is an important part of conflict resolution, and any design of a process which tries to incorporate positive conflict from the start needs to be cautious not to let it degenerate into the negative types of conflict.<ref name="JW07">{{Cite book|title=Social psychology in sport|date=2007|publisher=Human Kinetics|last1=Jowett|first1=Sophia|last2=Lavallee|first2=David|isbn=978-0-7360-5780-6| oclc=64770988}}</ref> Actual conflict resolutions range from discussions between the parties involved, such as in [[mediation]]s or [[collective bargaining]], to violent confrontations such as in interstate [[war]]s or [[civil war]]s. "Between" these are the variants of [[law]]ful or [[court]]ly clarification, which by no means have to take the form of "mud fights", but can be handled as "[[Professionalization|professional]] [[delegation]]" of the problem to [[Lawyer|lawyers]], in order to relieve oneself from the time-consuming and strenuous clarification procedure. Many conflicts can be resolved without escalation by the parties involved. If the conflict parties do not come to a solution themselves, accompanying measures can be taken by third parties.<ref name="Forsyth2019" />
[[File:Dayan and el Tell.jpg|thumb|[[Moshe Dayan]] and [[Abdullah el Tell]] reach a ceasefire agreement during the [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]] in Jerusalem on 30 November 1948.]]
 
According to conflict database [[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]'s definition [[war]] may occur between parties who contest an incompatibility. The nature of an incompatibility can be [[territory (country subdivision)|territorial]] or [[governmental]], but a warring party must be a "government of a state or any opposition organization or alliance of organizations that uses [[armed force]] to promote its position in the incompatibility in an intrastate or an interstate armed conflict".<ref>[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]. "[http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Warring_party_2 Definitions: Warring party]". Accessed April 2013.</ref> Wars can conclude with a [[peace agreement]], which is a "formal agreement... which addresses the disputed incompatibility, either by settling all or part of it, or by clearly outlining a process for how [...] to regulate the incompatibility."<ref>[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]. "[http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Peace_agreement Definitions: Peace agreement]". Accessed April 2013.</ref> A [[ceasefire]] is another form of agreement made by warring parties; unlike a peace agreement, it only "regulates the conflict behaviour of warring parties", and does not resolve the issue that brought the parties to war in the first place.<ref>[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]. "[http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/ucdp/definitions/#Ceasefire_agreements Ceasefire agreements]". Accessed April 2013.</ref>
The goal of conflict resolution is an effective and lasting solution to the conflict. This is achieved through the satisfaction of all parties involved, which ideally results in [[Constructive criticism|constructively]] working together on the problem (collaboration, cooperation).<ref name="Deutsch2006">{{cite book | veditors=((Deutsch, M.)) | date= 2006 | title=The handbook of conflict resolution: theory and practice | publisher=Jossey-Bass | edition=2nd | isbn=9780787980580}}
</ref> In addition, a regulation of the conflict can occur through a decision by an authority,<ref>Ines Lietzke: ‘‘Conflict resolution through Europeanization. The negotiations on the status of Kosovo.’’ Springer Fachmedien, 2015, ISBN 978-3-658-10956-1, p. 46.</ref> e.g., by an arbitrator, a court, a parent, or a supervisor. Unprocessed conflicts generate [[frustration]] and [[aggression]], which can result in [[cost]], [[damage]], and [[Scapegoat|scapegoats]].<ref name="Forsyth2019" />
 
==Praxis==
=== De-escalation ===
The first step in a dispute is usually [[de-escalation]] (e.g., cessation of hostilities, reduction of open aggression). A reciprocal [[tit for tat]] strategy ("an eye for an eye") can build trust between groups in the case of mutually collaborative or mutually competitive conflict styles.<ref name="Forsyth2019" /> To facilitate a change of positions in a conflict party, face-saving bridges should be built, e.g., by discussing what has already changed since the beginning of conflict resolution or by introducing common fair behavioral norms.<ref name="Deutsch2006" />
 
Escalating behavior should not be reacted to immediately, to give the person or persons time to regain emotional [[self-control]], making them more accessible to arguments and avoiding mutual escalation. Anger can be reduced by an [[apology (act)|apology]], [[humor]], a [[recess (break)|recess]], common [[Social norm|behavioral norms]], greater distance (switch to online discussion), or by background information that the escalation of the other side was not intended.<ref name="Forsyth2019" /> Afterwards, the problematic behavior can be addressed in a calm manner, followed by an acknowledgment of those substantive points of the escalating person that are correct.<ref name="Deutsch2006" /> Alternatively, a [[feedback sandwich]] can be used.
 
In the case of avoiding behavior, more questions should be asked and more attention should be paid to the [[participation (decision making)|participation]] of these persons in the conflict resolution and to their immaterial interests (such as [[recognition (sociology)|recognition]] and [[autonomy]]). In the conversation, a reminder can be given for motivation that the processing of the conflict serves the satisfaction of the interests of both sides.<ref name="Deutsch2006" />
 
=== Regulated communication ===
The second step is the initiation of [[communication]] between the conflicting parties, often through mediation. Accompanying conditions are described in Roger Fisher and William Ury's seminal 1981 book [[Getting to yes|''Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In'']].<ref>Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton: ''Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In''. 1981; 3rd edition, Houghton Mifflin, 2011, ISBN 978-0-395-31757-0.</ref> Alternatively, the [[moderation cycle]] according to [[Josef W. Seifert]] can be followed.<ref>[[Josef W. Seifert]]: Visualize – Present – Moderate, 30th edition, Gabal Verlag, Offenbach 2011, ISBN 978-3-86936-240-3.</ref> Furthermore, [[I-messages]] can be alternated with [[active listening]] according to [[Thomas Gordon (psychologist)|Thomas Gordon]]<ref>[[Thomas Gordon (psychologist)|Thomas Gordon]]: ‘‘Parent Effectiveness Training. The Proven Program for Raising Responsible Children’’. Three Rivers Press, 2000, ISBN 0-609-80693-9, p. 153.</ref><ref name="Gordon2012">[[Thomas Gordon (psychologist)|Thomas Gordon]]: ‘‘Family Conference in Practice: How Conflicts with Children are Resolved’’. Heyne Verlag, 2012, ISBN 978-3-641-07172-1, p. 116.</ref> or [[nonviolent communication]] according to [[Marshall B. Rosenberg]]<ref>[[Marshall B. Rosenberg]]: ‘‘Nonviolent Communication – A Language of Life’’. 3rd edition. PuddleDancer Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1-892005-28-1.</ref> can be used to depersonalize a discussion.
 
===Glasl's management strategies===
 
Glasl, on the other hand, assigns six strategies for conflict management to the nine escalation stages of [[Friedrich Glasl's model of conflict escalation]].<ref name="glasl">[https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1132-6_6 Glasl, F. (1982). The Process of Conflict Escalation and Roles of Third Parties. In: Bomers, G.B.J., Peterson, R.B. (eds) Conflict Management and Industrial Relations. Springer, Dordrecht.]</ref>


[[Peacekeeping]] measures may be deployed to avoid violence in solving such incompatibilities.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bellamy|first1=Alex J.|last2=Williams|first2=Paul|title=Understanding Peacekeeping|date=29 March 2010|publisher=Polity|isbn=978-0-7456-4186-7}}</ref> Beginning in the last century, political theorists have been developing the theory of a [[global peace system]] that relies upon broad social and political measures to avoid war in the interest of achieving [[world peace]].<ref name="RamSummy2007">{{cite encyclopedia |last=McElwee|first=Timothy A. |editor1-first=Senthil |editor1-last=Ram |editor2-first=Ralph |editor2-last=Summy|encyclopedia=Nonviolence: An Alternative for Defeating Global Terror(ism) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yopi-nCzQF8C&pg=PA187|year=2007 |publisher=[[Nova Science Publishers]] |isbn=978-1-60021-812-5 |title=The Role of UN Police in Nonviolently Countering Terrorism |pages=187–210}}</ref> The Blue Peace approach developed by [[Strategic Foresight Group]] facilitates cooperation between countries over shared water resources, thus reducing the risk of war and enabling sustainable development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.strategicforesight.com/publication_pdf/28458Lessons+Learnt.pdf|title=Strategic Foresight Group - Anticipating and Influencing Global Future|website=www.strategicforesight.com}}</ref>
* Level 1-3 (hardening, polarization & debate, actions instead of words): Moderation
* Level 3-5 (actions instead of words, concern about image & coalitions, loss of face): Process support
* Level 4-6 (concern about image & coalitions, loss of face, threatening strategies): socio-therapeutic process support
* Level 5-7 (loss of face, threatening strategies, limited destructive strikes): conciliation/mediation
* Level 6-8 (threatening strategies, limited destructive strikes, fragmentation): arbitration/judicial proceedings
* Level 7-9 (limited destructive strikes, fragmentation, together into the abyss): power intervention


Conflict resolution is an expanding field of professional practice, both in the U.S. and around the world. The escalating costs of conflict have increased use of third parties who may serve as a conflict specialists to resolve conflicts. In fact, relief and development organizations have added peace-building specialists to their teams.<ref>{{cite journal|year=2016|title=Conflict management capabilities of peace-brokering international organizations, 1945–2010: A new dataset|journal=Conflict Management and Peace Science|volume=33|issue=2|pages=198–223|last1=Lundgren|first1=Magnus|doi=10.1177/0738894215572757|s2cid=156002204}}</ref> Many major international [[non-governmental organizations]] have seen a growing need to hire practitioners trained in conflict analysis and resolution. Furthermore, this expansion has resulted in the need for conflict resolution practitioners to work in a variety of settings such as in businesses, court systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions throughout the world. [[Democracy]] has a positive influence on conflict resolution.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002793037001002 | doi=10.1177/0022002793037001002 | title=Democracy and the Management of International Conflict | date=1993 | last1=Dixon | first1=William J. | journal=Journal of Conflict Resolution | volume=37 | pages=42–68 | url-access=subscription }}</ref>
=== Interest-based relational approach (IBR) ===


== In the workplace ==
Developed by Fisher and Ury in ''Getting to Yes'', the IBR approach originated from  work at the [[Harvard Negotiation Project]]. It has four core tactics:
{{more citations needed section|date=November 2020}}
{{Main|Conflict management}}
According to the Cambridge dictionary, a basic definition of ''conflict'' is: "an active disagreement between people with opposing opinions or principles."<ref>{{Cite web|title=conflict|url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/conflict|access-date=2021-03-20|website=dictionary.cambridge.org|language=en-US}}</ref> Conflicts such as disagreements may occur at any moment, being a normal part of human interactions. The type of conflict and its severity may vary both in content and degree of seriousness; however, it is impossible to completely avoid it. Actually, conflict in itself is not necessarily a negative thing. When handled constructively it can help people to stand up for themselves and others, to evolve and learn how to work together to achieve a mutually satisfactory solution. But if conflict is handled poorly it can cause anger, hurt, divisiveness and more serious problems.


If it is impossible to completely avoid conflict as it was said, the possibilities to experience it are usually higher particularly in complex social contexts in which important diversities are at stake. Specially because of this reason, speaking about conflict resolution becomes fundamental in ethnically diverse and multicultural work environments, in which not only "regular" work disagreements may occur but in which also different languages, worldviews, lifestyles and ultimately value differences may diverge.
* separate the people from the problem;


Conflict resolution is the process by which two or more parties engaged in a disagreement, dispute or debate reach an agreement resolving it.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-15|title=What is Conflict Resolution, and How Does It Work?|url=https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/conflict-resolution/what-is-conflict-resolution-and-how-does-it-work/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=PON - Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School|language=en-US}}</ref> It involves a series of stages, involved actors, models and approaches that may depend on the kind of confrontation at stake and the surrounded social and cultural context. However, there are some general actions and personal skills that may be very useful when facing a conflict to solve (independently of its nature), e.g. an open minded orientation able to analyze the different point of views and perspectives involved, as well as an ability to empathize, carefully listen and clearly communicate with all the parts involved. Sources of conflict may be so many, depending on the particular situation and the specific context, but some of the most common include:
* focus on interests, not positions;
Personal differences such as values, ethics, personalities, age, education, gender, socioeconomic status, cultural background, temperament, health, religion, political beliefs, etc. Thus, almost any social category that serves to differentiate people may become an object of conflict when it does negatively diverge with people who do not share it.<ref>{{Cite web|last=corissajoy|date=2016-07-06|title=Culture and Conflict|url=https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/culture_conflict|access-date=2021-03-20|website=Beyond Intractability|language=en}}</ref> Clashes of ideas, choices or actions. Conflict occurs when people does not share common goals, or common ways to reach a particular objective (e.g. different work styles). Conflict occurs also when there is direct or indirect competition between people or when someone may feel excluded from a particular activity or by some people within the company. Lack of communication or poor communication are also significant reasons to start a conflict, to misunderstand a particular situation and to create potentially explosive interactions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-11-02|title=Five Steps to Manage & Resolve Conflict in the Workplace|url=https://experiential.sg/five-steps-to-manage-resolve-conflict-in-the-workplace/|access-date=2021-01-21|website=Experiential|language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Fundamental strategies ===
* find options for mutual gain;
{{more citations needed section|date=November 2020}}
Although different conflicts may require different ways to handle them, this is a list of fundamental strategies that may be implemented when handling a conflictive situation:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Conflict Resolution: 8 Strategies to Manage Workplace Conflict|url=https://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/resolveconflict.htm|access-date=2021-03-20|website=Business Know-How}}</ref>


# Reaching agreement on rules and procedures: Establishing ground rules may include the following actions: a. Determining a site for the meeting; b. Setting a formal agenda; c. Determining who attends; d. Setting time limits; e. Setting procedural rules; f. Following specific "do(s) and don't(s)".
* insist on using objective criteria.
# Reducing tension and synchronizing the [[de-escalation]] of hostility: In highly emotional situations when people feel angry, upset, frustrated, it is important to implement the following actions: a. Separating the involved parties; b. Managing tensions – jokes as an instrument to give the opportunity for catharsis; c. Acknowledging others' feelings – actively listening to others; d. De-escalation by public statements by parties – about the concession, the commitments of the parties.
# Improving the accuracy of communication, particularly improving each party's understanding of the other's perception: a. Accurate understanding of the other's position; b. Role reversal, trying to adopt the other's position (empathetic attitudes); c. Imaging – describing how they see themselves, how the other parties appears to them, how they think the other parties will describe them and how the others see themselves.
# Controlling the number and size of issues in the discussion: a. Fractionate the negotiation – a method that divides a large conflict into smaller parts: 1. Reduce the number of parties on each side; 2. Control the number of substantive issues; 3. Search for different ways to divide big issues.
# Establishing common ground where parties can find a basis for agreement: a. Establishing common goals or superordinate goals; b. Establishing common enemies; c. Identifying common expectations; d. Managing time constraints and deadlines; e. Reframing the parties' view of each other; f. Build trust through the negotiation process.
# Enhancing the desirability of the options and alternatives that each party presents to the other: a. Giving the other party an acceptable proposal; b. Asking for a different decision; c. Sweeten the other rather than intensifying the threat; d. Elaborating objective or legitimate criteria to evaluate all possible solutions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Five Steps to Conflict Resolution|url=https://www.amanet.org//articles/the-five-steps-to-conflict-resolution/|access-date=2021-01-21|website=www.amanet.org|language=en}}</ref>


=== Approaches ===
The Harvard Negotiation Project was one of the founding entities of the [[Program on Negotiation]] (PON) at Harvard Law School in 1983.
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2020}}
A conflict is a common phenomenon in the workplace; as mentioned before, it can occur because of the most different grounds of diversity and under very different circumstances. However, it is usually a matter of interests, needs, priorities, goals or values interfering with each other; and, often, a result of different perceptions more than actual differences. Conflicts may involve team members, departments, projects, organization and client, boss and subordinate, organization needs vs. personal needs, and they are usually immersed in complex relations of power that need to be understood and interpreted in order to define the more tailored way to manage the conflict. There are, nevertheless, some main approaches that may be applied when trying to solve a conflict that may lead to very different outcomes to be valued according to the particular situation and the available negotiation resources:


==== Forcing ====
=== Forcing ===
When one of the conflict's parts firmly pursues his or her own concerns despite the resistance of the other(s). This may involve pushing one viewpoint at the expense of another or maintaining firm resistance to the counterpart's actions; it is also commonly known as "competing".
When one of the conflict's parts firmly pursues his or her own concerns despite the resistance of the other(s). This may involve pushing one viewpoint at the expense of another or maintaining firm resistance to the counterpart's actions; it is also commonly known as "competing".
Forcing may be appropriate when all other, less forceful methods, do not work or are ineffective; when someone needs to stand up for his/her own rights (or the represented group/organization's rights), resist aggression and pressure. It may be also considered a suitable option when a quick resolution is required and using force is justified (e.g. in a life-threatening situation, to stop an aggression), and as a very last resort to resolve a long-lasting conflict.
Forcing may be appropriate when all other, less forceful methods, do not work or are ineffective; when someone needs to stand up for his/her own rights (or the represented group/organization's rights), resist aggression and pressure. It may be also considered a suitable option when a quick resolution is required and using force is justified (e.g. in a life-threatening situation, to stop an aggression), and as a very last resort to resolve a long-lasting conflict.
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However, forcing may also negatively affect the relationship with the opponent in the long run; may intensified the conflict if the opponent decides to react in the same way (even if it was not the original intention); it does not allow to take advantage in a productive way of the other side's position and, last but not least, taking this approach may require a lot of energy and be exhausting to some individuals.
However, forcing may also negatively affect the relationship with the opponent in the long run; may intensified the conflict if the opponent decides to react in the same way (even if it was not the original intention); it does not allow to take advantage in a productive way of the other side's position and, last but not least, taking this approach may require a lot of energy and be exhausting to some individuals.


==== Win-win / collaborating ====
=== Win-win / collaborating ===
Collaboration involves an attempt to work with the other part involved in the conflict to find a win-win solution to the problem in hand, or at least to find a solution that most satisfies the concerns of both parties. The win-win approach sees conflict resolution as an opportunity to come to a mutually beneficial result; and it includes identifying the underlying concerns of the opponents and finding an alternative which meets each party's concerns. From that point of view, it is the most desirable outcome when trying to solve a problem for all partners.
Collaboration involves an attempt to work with the other part involved in the conflict to find a win-win solution to the problem in hand, or at least to find a solution that most satisfies the concerns of both parties. The win-win approach sees conflict resolution as an opportunity to come to a mutually beneficial result; and it includes identifying the underlying concerns of the opponents and finding an alternative which meets each party's concerns. From that point of view, it is the most desirable outcome when trying to solve a problem for all partners.


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It may require more effort and more time than some other methods; for the same reason, collaborating may not be practical when timing is crucial and a quick solution or fast response is required.
It may require more effort and more time than some other methods; for the same reason, collaborating may not be practical when timing is crucial and a quick solution or fast response is required.


==== Compromising ====
=== Compromising ===
Different from the win-win solution, in this outcome the conflict parties find a mutually acceptable solution which partially satisfies both parties. This can occur as both parties converse with one another and seek to understand the other's point of view.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Baldoni|first=John|date=2012-10-12|title=Compromising When Compromise Is Hard|work=Harvard Business Review|url=https://hbr.org/2012/10/compromising-when-compromise-i|access-date=2021-10-02|issn=0017-8012}}</ref> Compromising may be an optimal solution when the goals are moderately important and not worth the use of more assertive or more involving approaches. It may be useful when reaching temporary settlement on complex issues and as a first step when the involved parties do not know each other well or have not yet developed a high level of mutual trust. Compromising may be a faster way to solve things when time is a factor. The level of tensions can be lower as well, but the result of the conflict may be also less satisfactory.
Different from the win-win solution, in this outcome the conflict parties find a mutually acceptable solution which partially satisfies both parties. This can occur as both parties converse with one another and seek to understand the other's point of view.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Baldoni|first=John|date=2012-10-12|title=Compromising When Compromise Is Hard|work=Harvard Business Review|url=https://hbr.org/2012/10/compromising-when-compromise-i|access-date=2021-10-02|issn=0017-8012}}</ref> Compromising may be an optimal solution when the goals are moderately important and not worth the use of more assertive or more involving approaches. It may be useful when reaching temporary settlement on complex issues and as a first step when the involved parties do not know each other well or have not yet developed a high level of mutual trust. Compromising may be a faster way to solve things when time is a factor. The level of tensions can be lower as well, but the result of the conflict may be also less satisfactory.


If this method is not well managed, and the factor time becomes the most important one, the situation may result in both parties being not satisfied with the outcome (i.e. a lose-lose situation). Moreover, it does not contribute to building trust in the long run and it may require a closer monitoring of the kind of partially satisfactory compromises acquired.
If this method is not well managed, and the factor time becomes the most important one, the situation may result in both parties being not satisfied with the outcome (i.e. a lose-lose situation). Moreover, it does not contribute to building trust in the long run and it may require a closer monitoring of the kind of partially satisfactory compromises acquired.


==== Withdrawing ====
=== Withdrawing ===
This technique consists on not addressing the conflict, postpone it or simply withdrawing; for that reason, it is also known as Avoiding. This outcome is suitable when the issue is trivial and not worth the effort or when more important issues are pressing, and one or both the parties do not have time to deal with it. Withdrawing may be also a strategic response when it is not the right time or place to confront the issue, when more time is needed to think and collect information before acting or when not responding may bring still some winnings for at least some of the involves parties. Moreover, withdrawing may be also employed when someone know that the other party is totally engaged with hostility and does not want (can not) to invest further unreasonable efforts.
This technique consists on not addressing the conflict, postpone it or simply withdrawing; for that reason, it is also known as Avoiding. This outcome is suitable when the issue is trivial and not worth the effort or when more important issues are pressing, and one or both the parties do not have time to deal with it. Withdrawing may be also a strategic response when it is not the right time or place to confront the issue, when more time is needed to think and collect information before acting or when not responding may bring still some winnings for at least some of the involves parties. Moreover, withdrawing may be also employed when someone know that the other party is totally engaged with hostility and does not want (can not) to invest further unreasonable efforts.


Withdrawing may give the possibility to see things from a different perspective while gaining time and collecting further information, and specially is a low stress approach particularly when the conflict is a short time one. However, not acting may be interpreted as an agreement and therefore it may lead to weakening or losing a previously gained position with one or more parties involved. Furthermore, when using withdrawing as a strategy more time, skills and experiences together with other actions may need to be implemented.
Withdrawing may give the possibility to see things from a different perspective while gaining time and collecting further information, and specially is a low stress approach particularly when the conflict is a short time one. However, not acting may be interpreted as an agreement and therefore it may lead to weakening or losing a previously gained position with one or more parties involved. Furthermore, when using withdrawing as a strategy more time, skills and experiences together with other actions may need to be implemented.


==== Smoothing ====
=== Smoothing ===
Smoothing is accommodating the concerns of others first of all, rather than one's own concerns. This kind of strategy may be applied when the issue of the conflict is much more important for the counterparts whereas for the other is not particularly relevant. It may be also applied when someone accepts that he/she is wrong and furthermore there are no other possible options than continuing an unworthy competing-pushing situation. Just as withdrawing, smoothing may be an option to find at least a temporal solution or obtain more time and information, however, it is not an option when priority interests are at stake.
Smoothing is accommodating the concerns of others first of all, rather than one's own concerns. This kind of strategy may be applied when the issue of the conflict is much more important for the counterparts whereas for the other is not particularly relevant. It may be also applied when someone accepts that he/she is wrong and furthermore there are no other possible options than continuing an unworthy competing-pushing situation. Just as withdrawing, smoothing may be an option to find at least a temporal solution or obtain more time and information, however, it is not an option when priority interests are at stake.
   
   
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== Between organizations ==
== Between organizations ==
Relationships between organizations, such as [[strategic alliances]], buyer-supplier partnerships, organizational networks, or [[joint venture]]s are prone to conflict. Conflict resolution in inter-organizational relationships has attracted the attention of business and management scholars. They have related the forms of conflict (e.g., integrity-based vs. competence-based conflict) to the mode of conflict resolution<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Johnson|first1=Simon|last2=McMillan|first2=John|last3=Woodruff|first3=Christopher|date=2002|title=Courts and Relational Contracts|url=https://academic.oup.com/jleo/article/18/1/221/884448|journal=The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization|language=en|volume=18|issue=1|pages=221–277|doi=10.1093/jleo/18.1.221|issn=8756-6222}}</ref> and the negotiation and repair approaches used by organizations. They have also observed the role of important moderating factors such as the type of contractual arrangement,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Harmon|first1=Derek J.|last2=Kim|first2=Peter H.|last3=Mayer|first3=Kyle J.|date=2015|title=Breaking the letter vs. spirit of the law: How the interpretation of contract violations affects trust and the management of relationships|journal=Strategic Management Journal|language=en|volume=36|issue=4|pages=497–517|doi=10.1002/smj.2231|doi-access=free}}</ref> the level of [[Trust (social science)|trust]] between organizations,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Janowicz-Panjaitan|first1=Martyna|last2=Krishnan|first2=Rekha|date=2009|title=Measures for Dealing with Competence and Integrity Violations of Interorganizational Trust at the Corporate and Operating Levels of Organizational Hierarchy|journal=Journal of Management Studies|language=en|volume=46|issue=2|pages=245–268|doi=10.1111/j.1467-6486.2008.00798.x|s2cid=144439444|issn=1467-6486}}</ref> or the type of power asymmetry.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Gaski|first=John F.|date=1984|title=The Theory of Power and Conflict in Channels of Distribution|journal=Journal of Marketing|language=en-US|volume=48|issue=3|pages=9–29|doi=10.1177/002224298404800303|s2cid=168149955|issn=0022-2429}}</ref>
Relationships between organizations, such as [[strategic alliances]], buyer-supplier partnerships, organizational networks, or [[joint venture]]s are prone to conflict. Conflict resolution in inter-organizational relationships has attracted the attention of business and management scholars. They have related the forms of conflict (e.g., integrity-based vs. competence-based conflict) to the mode of conflict resolution<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Johnson|first1=Simon|last2=McMillan|first2=John|last3=Woodruff|first3=Christopher|date=2002|title=Courts and Relational Contracts|url=https://academic.oup.com/jleo/article/18/1/221/884448|journal=The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization|language=en|volume=18|issue=1|pages=221–277|doi=10.1093/jleo/18.1.221|issn=8756-6222}}</ref> and the negotiation and repair approaches used by organizations. They have also observed the role of important moderating factors such as the type of contractual arrangement,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Harmon|first1=Derek J.|last2=Kim|first2=Peter H.|last3=Mayer|first3=Kyle J.|date=2015|title=Breaking the letter vs. spirit of the law: How the interpretation of contract violations affects trust and the management of relationships|journal=Strategic Management Journal|language=en|volume=36|issue=4|pages=497–517|doi=10.1002/smj.2231|doi-access=free}}</ref> the level of [[Trust (social science)|trust]] between organizations,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Janowicz-Panjaitan|first1=Martyna|last2=Krishnan|first2=Rekha|date=2009|title=Measures for Dealing with Competence and Integrity Violations of Interorganizational Trust at the Corporate and Operating Levels of Organizational Hierarchy|journal=Journal of Management Studies|language=en|volume=46|issue=2|pages=245–268|doi=10.1111/j.1467-6486.2008.00798.x|s2cid=144439444|issn=1467-6486}}</ref> or the type of power asymmetry.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Gaski|first=John F.|date=1984|title=The Theory of Power and Conflict in Channels of Distribution|journal=Journal of Marketing|language=en-US|volume=48|issue=3|pages=9–29|doi=10.1177/002224298404800303|s2cid=168149955|issn=0022-2429}}</ref>
== Other forms ==
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2007}}


=== Conflict management ===
=== Conflict management ===
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There are other, more direct and more diagnostic, methods that could be used in appropriate circumstances. However, the great strength of the nondirective approach<ref group="nb">Nondirective counseling is based on the [[client-centered therapy]] of [[Carl Rogers]].</ref> lies in its simplicity, its effectiveness, and that it deliberately avoids the manager-counselor's diagnosing and interpreting emotional problems, which would call for special psychological training. Listening to staff with sympathy and understanding is unlikely to escalate the problem, and is a widely used approach for helping people cope with problems that interfere with their effectiveness in the workplace.<ref name="Johnson" />
There are other, more direct and more diagnostic, methods that could be used in appropriate circumstances. However, the great strength of the nondirective approach<ref group="nb">Nondirective counseling is based on the [[client-centered therapy]] of [[Carl Rogers]].</ref> lies in its simplicity, its effectiveness, and that it deliberately avoids the manager-counselor's diagnosing and interpreting emotional problems, which would call for special psychological training. Listening to staff with sympathy and understanding is unlikely to escalate the problem, and is a widely used approach for helping people cope with problems that interfere with their effectiveness in the workplace.<ref name="Johnson" />


==Culture-based==
==Cultural issues==
[[File:Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.jpg|thumb|left|240px|The Reconciliation of [[Jacob]] and [[Esau]] (illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company)]]
[[File:Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.jpg|thumb|left|240px|The Reconciliation of [[Jacob]] and [[Esau]] (illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company)]]
Conflict resolution as both a professional practice and academic field is highly sensitive to [[culture|cultural]] practices. In Western cultural contexts, such as [[Canada]] and the [[United States]], successful conflict resolution usually involves fostering communication among disputants, problem solving, and drafting agreements that meet underlying needs. In these situations, conflict resolvers often talk about finding a mutually satisfying ("[[Win-win game|win-win]]") solution for everyone involved.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ury |first1=William |last2=Fisher |first2=Roger |date=1981 |title=Getting To Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In |edition= 1st |location=Boston, MA |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Co. |isbn=978-0-395-31757-0 }}</ref>
Conflict resolution as both a professional practice and academic field is highly sensitive to [[culture|cultural]] practices. In Western cultural contexts, such as [[Canada]] and the [[United States]], successful conflict resolution usually involves fostering communication among disputants, problem solving, and drafting agreements that meet underlying needs. In these situations, conflict resolvers often talk about finding a mutually satisfying ("[[Win-win game|win-win]]") solution for everyone involved.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ury |first1=William |last2=Fisher |first2=Roger |date=1981 |title=Getting To Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In |edition= 1st |location=Boston, MA |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Co. |isbn=978-0-395-31757-0 }}</ref>
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* [[Bar-Siman-Tov, Yaacov]] (Ed.) (2004). ''From Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation.'' Oxford University Press
* [[Bar-Siman-Tov, Yaacov]] (Ed.) (2004). ''From Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation.'' Oxford University Press


==Further reading==
==Further readings==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{cite book |last=Coleman |first=Peter T. |author-link=Peter T. Coleman (academic) |title=The Five Percent: Finding Solutions to Seemingly Impossible Conflicts |isbn=978-1-58648-921-2 |year=2011 |publisher=PublicAffairs}}
* {{cite book |last=Coleman |first=Peter T. |author-link=Peter T. Coleman (academic) |title=The Five Percent: Finding Solutions to Seemingly Impossible Conflicts |isbn=978-1-58648-921-2 |year=2011 |publisher=PublicAffairs}}
* Staniland, Paul (2021). ''Ordering Violence: Explaining Armed Group-state Relations from Conflict to Cooperation''. Cornell University Press. {{ISBN|978-1-5017-6110-2}}.
* Staniland, Paul (2021). ''Ordering Violence: Explaining Armed Group-state Relations from Conflict to Cooperation''. Cornell University Press. {{ISBN|978-1-5017-6110-2}}.


{{Gandhi}}
{{Nelson Mandela}}
{{Game theory}}
{{Game theory}}



Revision as of 23:52, 19 June 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "other uses". Script error: No such module "For". Template:Use dmy dates Template:Conflict resolution sidebar Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists Conflict resolution is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of conflict and retribution. Committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest of group (e.g., intentions; reasons for holding certain beliefs) and by engaging in collective negotiation.[1] Dimensions of resolution typically parallel the dimensions of conflict in the way the conflict is processed. Cognitive resolution is the way disputants understand and view the conflict, with beliefs, perspectives, understandings and attitudes. Emotional resolution is in the way disputants feel about a conflict, the emotional energy. Behavioral resolution is reflective of how the disputants act, their behavior.[2] Ultimately a wide range of methods and procedures for addressing conflict exist, including negotiation, mediation, mediation-arbitration, diplomacy, and creative peacebuilding.[3][4]

Characteristics

Wallensteen defines conflict resolution (for peace and conflict studies) as:

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[S]ocial situation where the armed conflicting parties in a (voluntarily) agreement resolve to live peacefully with – and/or dissolve – their basic incompatibilities and henceforth cease to use arms against one another.[5]

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The "conflicting parties" concerned in this definition are formally or informally organized groups engaged in intrastate or interstate conflict.[6][7] 'Basic incompatibility' refers to a severe disagreement between at least two sides where their demands cannot be met by the same resources at the same time.[5]

Territoriality

File:Dayan and el Tell.jpg
Moshe Dayan and Abdullah el Tell reach a ceasefire agreement during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War in Jerusalem on 30 November 1948.

According to conflict database Uppsala Conflict Data Program's definition, war may occur between parties who contest an incompatibility. The nature of an incompatibility can be territorial or governmental, but a warring party must be a "government of a state or any opposition organization or alliance of organizations that uses armed force to promote its position in the incompatibility in an intrastate or an interstate armed conflict".[8] Wars can conclude with a peace agreement, which is a "formal agreement... which addresses the disputed incompatibility, either by settling all or part of it, or by clearly outlining a process for how [...] to regulate the incompatibility."[9]

A ceasefire is another form of agreement made by warring parties; unlike a peace agreement, it only "regulates the conflict behaviour of warring parties", and does not resolve the issue that brought the parties to war in the first place.[10]

Peacekeeping measures may be deployed to avoid violence in solving such incompatibilities.[11] Beginning in the last century, political theorists have been developing the theory of a global peace system that relies upon broad social and political measures to avoid war in the interest of achieving world peace.[12] The Blue Peace approach developed by Strategic Foresight Group facilitates cooperation between countries over shared water resources, thus reducing the risk of war and enabling sustainable development.[13]

The escalating costs of conflict have increased use of third parties who may serve as a conflict specialists to resolve conflicts. In fact, relief and development organizations have added peace-building specialists to their teams.[14] Many major international non-governmental organizations have seen a growing need to hire practitioners trained in conflict analysis and resolution. Furthermore, this expansion has resulted in the need for conflict resolution practitioners to work in a variety of settings such as in businesses, court systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions throughout the world. Democracy has a positive influence on conflict resolution.[15]

Models

Modes

Template:Annotated image Ruble and Thomas transposed the managerial grid model in terms of conflict resolution. They adapted the classification scheme to dimensions identified in conflict research that represent a range of behaviors beyond the dichotomy between cooperation and competition. The X-axis evaluates cooperativity, the extent by which mutual goals are achieved. The Y-axis evaluates assertiveness, how parties insist on carrying their own objectives.[16][17]

Thomas and Kilmann extended that grid with a rating system for five modes of behavior. When parties are assertive but their objectives lack compatibility, they become competitive; when parties are assertive toward compatible objectives, they can be collaborating; when no party prioritizes objectives that are mutually exclusive, they can display avoidance; parties can be accommodating when assertiveness is low but cooperativity is high; when there is no real bias toward assertiveness and cooperativity, compromising can obtain.[18][19]

However, not every style leads to an acceptable result in every situation. For example, a collaboration does not work if the goals of the two conflict parties are immutable and mutually exclusive. The different styles have different advantages and disadvantages.[20] Depending on the situation, different conflict styles can be considered desirable to achieve the best results.[21]

Dual concern

The dual concern model of conflict resolution is a conceptual perspective that assumes individuals' preferred method of dealing with conflict is based on two underlying themes or dimensions: concern for self (assertiveness) and concern for others (empathy).[1] According to the model, group members balance their concern for satisfying personal needs and interests with their concern for satisfying the needs and interests of others in different ways. The intersection of these two dimensions ultimately leads individuals towards exhibiting different styles of conflict resolution.[22] The dual model identifies five group conflict resolution styles or strategies that individuals may use depending on their dispositions toward pro-self or pro-social goals.

Avoidance

Characterized by joking, changing or avoiding the topic, or even denying that a problem exists, the conflict avoidance style is used when an individual has withdrawn in dealing with the other party, when one is uncomfortable with conflict, or due to cultural contexts.[nb 1] During conflict, these avoiders adopt a "wait and see" attitude, often allowing conflict to phase out on its own without any personal involvement.[23] By neglecting to address high-conflict situations, avoiders risk allowing problems to fester or spin out of control.

Accommodating

In contrast, yielding, "accommodating", smoothing or suppression conflict styles are characterized by a high level of concern for others and a low level of concern for oneself. This passive pro-social approach emerges when individuals derive personal satisfaction from meeting the needs of others and have a general concern for maintaining stable, positive social relationships.[1] When faced with conflict, individuals with an accommodating conflict style tend to harmonize into others' demands out of respect for the social relationship. With this sense of yielding to the conflict, individuals fall back to others' input instead of finding solutions with their own intellectual resolution.[24]

Competitive

The competitive, "fighting" or forcing conflict style maximizes individual assertiveness (i.e., concern for self) and minimizes empathy (i.e., concern for others). Groups consisting of competitive members generally enjoy seeking domination over others, and typically see conflict as a "win or lose" predicament.[1] Fighters tend to force others to accept their personal views by employing competitive power tactics (arguments, insults, accusations or even violence) that foster intimidation.[25]

Conciliation

The conciliation, "compromising", bargaining or negotiation conflict style is typical of individuals who possess an intermediate level of concern for both personal and others' outcomes. Compromisers value fairness and, in doing so, anticipate mutual give-and-take interactions.[23] By accepting some demands put forth by others, compromisers believe this agreeableness will encourage others to meet them halfway, thus promoting conflict resolution.[26] This conflict style can be considered an extension of both "yielding" and "cooperative" strategies.[1]

Cooperation

Characterized by an active concern for both pro-social and pro-self behavior, the cooperation, integration, confrontation or problem-solving conflict style is typically used when an individual has elevated interests in their own outcomes as well as in the outcomes of others. During conflict, cooperators collaborate with others in an effort to find an amicable solution that satisfies all parties involved in the conflict. Individuals using this type of conflict style tend to be both highly assertive and highly empathetic.[23] By seeing conflict as a creative opportunity, collaborators willingly invest time and resources into finding a "win-win" solution.[1] According to the literature on conflict resolution, a cooperative conflict resolution style is recommended above all others. This resolution may be achieved by lowering the aggressor's guard while raising the ego.[27][28]

Regret analysis

The conflict resolution curve derived from an analytical model that offers a peaceful solution by motivating conflicting entities.[29] Forced resolution of conflict might invoke another conflict in the future.

Conflict resolution curve (CRC) separates conflict styles into two separate domains: domain of competing entities and domain of accommodating entities. There is a sort of agreement between targets and aggressors on this curve. Their judgements of badness compared to goodness of each other are analogous on CRC. So, arrival of conflicting entities to some negotiable points on CRC is important before peace building. CRC does not exist (i.e., singular) in reality if the aggression of the aggressor is certain. Under such circumstances it might lead to apocalypse with mutual destruction.[30]

The curve explains why nonviolent struggles ultimately toppled repressive regimes and sometimes forced leaders to change the nature of governance. Also, this methodology has been applied to capture conflict styles on the Korean Peninsula and dynamics of negotiation processes.[31]

Four-sides

In the third step, the actual conflict of interest is identified and mutual understanding for the interest of the other party is developed. This requires understanding and respecting the underlying values and motivations. According to the four-sides model by Friedemann Schulz von Thun, there are two levels of information in every statement: the content level and the emotional or relationship level.[32] Both levels contain interests, the differences of which to the other conflict party should be balanced as much as possible. Then a win-win solution for the conflict can be developed together.

Circle of Conflict

Christopher W. Moore's "Circle of conflict" model, first published in 1986, emphasizes five sources of conflict:

  • data: information, interpretation, incompleteness;
  • relationship: personal dynamics, miscommunication, misbehaviors;
  • value: incompatible beliefs, principles, or priorities;
  • structure: organization failures, power imbalances, resource constraints;
  • interests: needs, desires, incentives, procedures.

Conflicts may have multiple sources. Identifying the source of the conflict ought to facilitate its resolution.[33]

Nonviolent communication (NVC)

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Theories

Relational dialectics

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The main concepts of relational dialectics are:

  • Contradictions – The concept is that the contrary has the characteristics of its opposite. People can seek to be in a relationship but still need their space.
  • Totality – The totality comes when the opposites unite. Thus, the relationship is balanced with contradictions and only then it reaches totality
  • Process – Comprehended through various social processes. These processes simultaneously continue within a relationship in a recurring manner.
  • Praxis – The relationship progresses with experience and both people interact and communicate effectively to meet their needs. Praxis is a concept of practicability in making decisions in a relationship despite opposing wants and needs

Strategy of conflict

Thomas Schelling applied game theory to situations where the outcome is not zero-sum.[34]

  • Conflict is a contest. Rational behavior, in this contest, is a matter of judgment and perception.
  • Strategy makes predictions using "rational behavior – behavior motivated by a serious calculation of advantages, a calculation that in turn is based on an explicit and internally consistent value system".
  • Cooperation is always temporary, interests will change.

Ripeness

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Mechanisms

One theory discussed within the field of peace and conflict studies is conflict resolution mechanisms: independent procedures in which the conflicting parties can have confidence. They can be formal or informal arrangements with the intention of resolving the conflict.[35] In Understanding Conflict Resolution Wallensteen draws from the works of Lewis A. Coser, Johan Galtung and Thomas Schelling, and presents seven distinct theoretical mechanisms for conflict resolutions:[36]

  1. A shift in priorities for one of the conflicting parties. While it is rare that a party completely changes its basic positions, it can display a shift in to what it gives highest priority. In such an instance new possibilities for conflict resolutions may arise.
  2. The contested resource is divided. In essence, this means both conflicting parties display some extent of shift in priorities which then opens up for some form of "meeting the other side halfway" agreement.
  3. Horse-trading between the conflicting parties. This means that one side gets all of its demands met on one issue, while the other side gets all of its demands met on another issue.
  4. The parties decide to share control, and rule together over the contested resource. It could be permanent, or a temporary arrangement for a transition period that, when over, has led to a transcendence of the conflict.
  5. The parties agree to leave control to someone else. In this mechanism the primary parties agree, or accept, that a third party takes control over the contested resource.
  6. The parties resort to conflict resolution mechanisms, notably arbitration or other legal procedures. This means finding a procedure for resolving the conflict through some of the previously mentioned five ways, but with the added quality that it is done through a process outside of the parties' immediate control.
  7. Some issues can be left for later. The argument for this is that political conditions and popular attitudes can change, and some issues can gain from being delayed, as their significance may pale with time.

Nicholson notes that a conflict is resolved when the inconsistency between wishes and actions of parties is resolved.[37] Negotiation is an important part of conflict resolution, and any design of a process which tries to incorporate positive conflict from the start needs to be cautious not to let it degenerate into the negative types of conflict.[38] Actual conflict resolutions range from discussions between the parties involved, such as in mediations or collective bargaining, to violent confrontations such as in interstate wars or civil wars. "Between" these are the variants of lawful or courtly clarification, which by no means have to take the form of "mud fights", but can be handled as "professional delegation" of the problem to lawyers, in order to relieve oneself from the time-consuming and strenuous clarification procedure. Many conflicts can be resolved without escalation by the parties involved. If the conflict parties do not come to a solution themselves, accompanying measures can be taken by third parties.[1]

The goal of conflict resolution is an effective and lasting solution to the conflict. This is achieved through the satisfaction of all parties involved, which ideally results in constructively working together on the problem (collaboration, cooperation).[39] In addition, a regulation of the conflict can occur through a decision by an authority,[40] e.g., by an arbitrator, a court, a parent, or a supervisor. Unprocessed conflicts generate frustration and aggression, which can result in cost, damage, and scapegoats.[1]

Praxis

De-escalation

The first step in a dispute is usually de-escalation (e.g., cessation of hostilities, reduction of open aggression). A reciprocal tit for tat strategy ("an eye for an eye") can build trust between groups in the case of mutually collaborative or mutually competitive conflict styles.[1] To facilitate a change of positions in a conflict party, face-saving bridges should be built, e.g., by discussing what has already changed since the beginning of conflict resolution or by introducing common fair behavioral norms.[39]

Escalating behavior should not be reacted to immediately, to give the person or persons time to regain emotional self-control, making them more accessible to arguments and avoiding mutual escalation. Anger can be reduced by an apology, humor, a recess, common behavioral norms, greater distance (switch to online discussion), or by background information that the escalation of the other side was not intended.[1] Afterwards, the problematic behavior can be addressed in a calm manner, followed by an acknowledgment of those substantive points of the escalating person that are correct.[39] Alternatively, a feedback sandwich can be used.

In the case of avoiding behavior, more questions should be asked and more attention should be paid to the participation of these persons in the conflict resolution and to their immaterial interests (such as recognition and autonomy). In the conversation, a reminder can be given for motivation that the processing of the conflict serves the satisfaction of the interests of both sides.[39]

Regulated communication

The second step is the initiation of communication between the conflicting parties, often through mediation. Accompanying conditions are described in Roger Fisher and William Ury's seminal 1981 book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.[41] Alternatively, the moderation cycle according to Josef W. Seifert can be followed.[42] Furthermore, I-messages can be alternated with active listening according to Thomas Gordon[43][44] or nonviolent communication according to Marshall B. Rosenberg[45] can be used to depersonalize a discussion.

Glasl's management strategies

Glasl, on the other hand, assigns six strategies for conflict management to the nine escalation stages of Friedrich Glasl's model of conflict escalation.[46]

  • Level 1-3 (hardening, polarization & debate, actions instead of words): Moderation
  • Level 3-5 (actions instead of words, concern about image & coalitions, loss of face): Process support
  • Level 4-6 (concern about image & coalitions, loss of face, threatening strategies): socio-therapeutic process support
  • Level 5-7 (loss of face, threatening strategies, limited destructive strikes): conciliation/mediation
  • Level 6-8 (threatening strategies, limited destructive strikes, fragmentation): arbitration/judicial proceedings
  • Level 7-9 (limited destructive strikes, fragmentation, together into the abyss): power intervention

Interest-based relational approach (IBR)

Developed by Fisher and Ury in Getting to Yes, the IBR approach originated from work at the Harvard Negotiation Project. It has four core tactics:

  • separate the people from the problem;
  • focus on interests, not positions;
  • find options for mutual gain;
  • insist on using objective criteria.

The Harvard Negotiation Project was one of the founding entities of the Program on Negotiation (PON) at Harvard Law School in 1983.

Forcing

When one of the conflict's parts firmly pursues his or her own concerns despite the resistance of the other(s). This may involve pushing one viewpoint at the expense of another or maintaining firm resistance to the counterpart's actions; it is also commonly known as "competing". Forcing may be appropriate when all other, less forceful methods, do not work or are ineffective; when someone needs to stand up for his/her own rights (or the represented group/organization's rights), resist aggression and pressure. It may be also considered a suitable option when a quick resolution is required and using force is justified (e.g. in a life-threatening situation, to stop an aggression), and as a very last resort to resolve a long-lasting conflict.

However, forcing may also negatively affect the relationship with the opponent in the long run; may intensified the conflict if the opponent decides to react in the same way (even if it was not the original intention); it does not allow to take advantage in a productive way of the other side's position and, last but not least, taking this approach may require a lot of energy and be exhausting to some individuals.

Win-win / collaborating

Collaboration involves an attempt to work with the other part involved in the conflict to find a win-win solution to the problem in hand, or at least to find a solution that most satisfies the concerns of both parties. The win-win approach sees conflict resolution as an opportunity to come to a mutually beneficial result; and it includes identifying the underlying concerns of the opponents and finding an alternative which meets each party's concerns. From that point of view, it is the most desirable outcome when trying to solve a problem for all partners.

Collaborating may be the best solution when consensus and commitment of other parties is important; when the conflict occurs in a collaborative, trustworthy environment and when it is required to address the interests of multiple stakeholders. But more specially, it is the most desirable outcome when a long-term relationship is important so that people can continue to collaborate in a productive way; collaborating is in few words, sharing responsibilities and mutual commitment. For parties involved, the outcome of the conflict resolution is less stressful; however, the process of finding and establishing a win-win solution may be longer and should be very involving.

It may require more effort and more time than some other methods; for the same reason, collaborating may not be practical when timing is crucial and a quick solution or fast response is required.

Compromising

Different from the win-win solution, in this outcome the conflict parties find a mutually acceptable solution which partially satisfies both parties. This can occur as both parties converse with one another and seek to understand the other's point of view.[47] Compromising may be an optimal solution when the goals are moderately important and not worth the use of more assertive or more involving approaches. It may be useful when reaching temporary settlement on complex issues and as a first step when the involved parties do not know each other well or have not yet developed a high level of mutual trust. Compromising may be a faster way to solve things when time is a factor. The level of tensions can be lower as well, but the result of the conflict may be also less satisfactory.

If this method is not well managed, and the factor time becomes the most important one, the situation may result in both parties being not satisfied with the outcome (i.e. a lose-lose situation). Moreover, it does not contribute to building trust in the long run and it may require a closer monitoring of the kind of partially satisfactory compromises acquired.

Withdrawing

This technique consists on not addressing the conflict, postpone it or simply withdrawing; for that reason, it is also known as Avoiding. This outcome is suitable when the issue is trivial and not worth the effort or when more important issues are pressing, and one or both the parties do not have time to deal with it. Withdrawing may be also a strategic response when it is not the right time or place to confront the issue, when more time is needed to think and collect information before acting or when not responding may bring still some winnings for at least some of the involves parties. Moreover, withdrawing may be also employed when someone know that the other party is totally engaged with hostility and does not want (can not) to invest further unreasonable efforts.

Withdrawing may give the possibility to see things from a different perspective while gaining time and collecting further information, and specially is a low stress approach particularly when the conflict is a short time one. However, not acting may be interpreted as an agreement and therefore it may lead to weakening or losing a previously gained position with one or more parties involved. Furthermore, when using withdrawing as a strategy more time, skills and experiences together with other actions may need to be implemented.

Smoothing

Smoothing is accommodating the concerns of others first of all, rather than one's own concerns. This kind of strategy may be applied when the issue of the conflict is much more important for the counterparts whereas for the other is not particularly relevant. It may be also applied when someone accepts that he/she is wrong and furthermore there are no other possible options than continuing an unworthy competing-pushing situation. Just as withdrawing, smoothing may be an option to find at least a temporal solution or obtain more time and information, however, it is not an option when priority interests are at stake.

There is a high risk of being abused when choosing the smoothing option. Therefore, it is important to keep the right balance and to not give up one own interests and necessities. Otherwise, confidence in one's ability, mainly with an aggressive opponent, may be seriously damaged, together with credibility by the other parties involved. Needed to say, in these cases a transition to a Win-Win solution in the future becomes particularly more difficult when someone.

Between organizations

Relationships between organizations, such as strategic alliances, buyer-supplier partnerships, organizational networks, or joint ventures are prone to conflict. Conflict resolution in inter-organizational relationships has attracted the attention of business and management scholars. They have related the forms of conflict (e.g., integrity-based vs. competence-based conflict) to the mode of conflict resolution[48] and the negotiation and repair approaches used by organizations. They have also observed the role of important moderating factors such as the type of contractual arrangement,[49] the level of trust between organizations,[50] or the type of power asymmetry.[51]

Conflict management

Conflict management refers to the long-term management of intractable conflicts. It is the label for the variety of ways by which people handle grievances—standing up for what they consider to be right and against what they consider to be wrong. Those ways include such diverse phenomena as gossip, ridicule, lynching, terrorism, warfare, feuding, genocide, law, mediation, and avoidance.[52] Which forms of conflict management will be used in any given situation can be somewhat predicted and explained by the social structure—or social geometry—of the case.

Conflict management is often considered to be distinct from conflict resolution. In order for actual conflict to occur, there should be an expression of exclusive patterns which explain why and how the conflict was expressed the way it was. Conflict is often connected to a previous issue. Resolution refers to resolving a dispute to the approval of one or both parties, whereas management is concerned with an ongoing process that may never have a resolution. Neither is considered the same as conflict transformation, which seeks to reframe the positions of the conflict parties.

Counseling

When personal conflict leads to frustration and loss of efficiency, counseling may prove helpful. Although few organizations can afford to have professional counselors on staff, given some training, managers may be able to perform this function. Nondirective counseling, or "listening with understanding", is little more than being a good listener—something often considered to be important in a manager.[53]

Sometimes simply being able to express one's feelings to a concerned and understanding listener is enough to relieve frustration and make it possible for an individual to advance to a problem-solving frame of mind. The nondirective approach is one effective way for managers to deal with frustrated subordinates and coworkers.[54]

There are other, more direct and more diagnostic, methods that could be used in appropriate circumstances. However, the great strength of the nondirective approach[nb 2] lies in its simplicity, its effectiveness, and that it deliberately avoids the manager-counselor's diagnosing and interpreting emotional problems, which would call for special psychological training. Listening to staff with sympathy and understanding is unlikely to escalate the problem, and is a widely used approach for helping people cope with problems that interfere with their effectiveness in the workplace.[54]

Cultural issues

File:Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.jpg
The Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau (illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company)

Conflict resolution as both a professional practice and academic field is highly sensitive to cultural practices. In Western cultural contexts, such as Canada and the United States, successful conflict resolution usually involves fostering communication among disputants, problem solving, and drafting agreements that meet underlying needs. In these situations, conflict resolvers often talk about finding a mutually satisfying ("win-win") solution for everyone involved.[55]

In many non-Western cultural contexts, such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, and China, it is also important to find "win-win" solutions; however, the routes taken to find them may be very different. In these contexts, direct communication between disputants that explicitly addresses the issues at stake in the conflict can be perceived as very rude, making the conflict worse and delaying resolution. It can make sense to involve religious, tribal, or community leaders; communicate difficult truths through a third party; or make suggestions through stories.[56] Intercultural conflicts are often the most difficult to resolve because the expectations of the disputants can be very different, and there is much occasion for misunderstanding.[57]

In animals

Conflict resolution has also been studied in non-humans, including dogs, cats, monkeys, snakes, elephants, and primates.[58] Aggression is more common among relatives and within a group than between groups. Instead of creating distance between the individuals, primates tend to be more intimate in the period after an aggressive incident. These intimacies consist of grooming and various forms of body contact. Stress responses, including increased heart rates, usually decrease after these reconciliatory signals. Different types of primates, as well as many other species who live in groups, display different types of conciliatory behavior. Resolving conflicts that threaten the interaction between individuals in a group is necessary for survival, giving it a strong evolutionary value. A further focus of this is among species that have stable social units, individual relationships, and the potential for intragroup aggression that may disrupt beneficial relationships. The role of these reunions in negotiating relationships is examined along with the susceptibility of these relationships to partner value asymmetries and biological market effects.[59] These findings contradict previous existing theories about the general function of aggression, i.e. creating space between individuals (first proposed by Konrad Lorenz), which seems to be more the case in conflicts between groups than it is within groups.

In addition to research in primates, biologists are beginning to explore reconciliation in other animals. Until recently, the literature dealing with reconciliation in non-primates has consisted of anecdotal observations and very little quantitative data. Although peaceful post-conflict behavior had been documented going back to the 1960s, it was not until 1993 that Rowell made the first explicit mention of reconciliation in feral sheep. Reconciliation has since been documented in spotted hyenas,[60][61] lions, bottlenose dolphins,[62] dwarf mongoose, domestic goats,[63] domestic dogs,[64] and, recently, in red-necked wallabies.[65]

See also

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Organizations

Footnotes

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References

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Works cited

  • Bannon, I. & Paul Collier (Eds.). (2003). Natural resources and violent conflict: Options and actions. WThe World Bank.
  • Ury, F. & Rodger Fisher. (1981). Getting to yes: Negotiating agreement without giving in. Penguin.
  • Wilmot, W. & Jouyce Hocker. (2007). Interpersonal conflict. McGraw-Hill.
  • Bercovitch, Jacob and Jackson, Richard. 2009. Conflict Resolution in the Twenty-first Century: Principles, Methods, and Approaches. Template:Webarchive University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor.
  • de Waal, Frans B. M. and Angeline van Roosmalen. 1979. Reconciliation and consolation among chimpanzees. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 5: 55–66.
  • de Waal, Frans B. M. 1989. Peacemaking Among Primates. Harvard University Press.
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  • de Waal, Frans B. M. and Filippo Aureli. 1996. Consolation, reconciliation, and a possible cognitive difference between macaques and chimpanzees. Reaching into thought: The minds of the great apes (Eds. Anne E. Russon, Kim A. Bard, Sue Taylor Parker), Cambridge University Press, New York, NY: 80–110.
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  • Aureli, Filippo and Frans B. M. de Waal, eds. 2000. Natural Conflict Resolution. University of California Press.
  • de Waal, Frans B. M. 2000. Primates––A natural heritage of conflict resolution. Science 289: 586–590.
  • Hicks, Donna. 2011. Dignity: The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict. Yale University Press
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  • Bar-Siman-Tov, Yaacov (Ed.) (2004). From Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation. Oxford University Press

Further readings

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  • Staniland, Paul (2021). Ordering Violence: Explaining Armed Group-state Relations from Conflict to Cooperation. Cornell University Press. Template:ISBN.

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  3. Rapoport, A. (1989). The origins of violence: Approaches to the study of conflict. New York, NY: Paragon House.
  4. Rapoport, A. (1992). Peace: An idea whose time has come. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
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  8. Uppsala Conflict Data Program. "Definitions: Warring party". Accessed April 2013.
  9. Uppsala Conflict Data Program. "Definitions: Peace agreement". Accessed April 2013.
  10. Uppsala Conflict Data Program. "Ceasefire agreements". Accessed April 2013.
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  20. Werner Fleischer, Benedikt Fleischer, Martin Monninger: ‘‘Role and behavior profiles: Resolving conflicts constructively. Volume 4.’’ Kohlhammer, 2022, ISBN 978-3-17-035778-5, pp. 114–121.
  21. Paul Anker: ‘‘Mastering Conflicts. Handbook for Scrum Masters in Agile Teams.’’ Tredition, 2023, ISBN 978-3-347-98519-3.
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  32. Friedemann Schulz von Thun: ‘’Talking to Each Other.‘’ Volume 1: ‘‘Disturbances and Clarifications. Psychology of interpersonal communication’’. Rowohlt, Reinbek 1981, ISBN 3-499-17489-8.
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  40. Ines Lietzke: ‘‘Conflict resolution through Europeanization. The negotiations on the status of Kosovo.’’ Springer Fachmedien, 2015, ISBN 978-3-658-10956-1, p. 46.
  41. Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton: Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. 1981; 3rd edition, Houghton Mifflin, 2011, ISBN 978-0-395-31757-0.
  42. Josef W. Seifert: Visualize – Present – Moderate, 30th edition, Gabal Verlag, Offenbach 2011, ISBN 978-3-86936-240-3.
  43. Thomas Gordon: ‘‘Parent Effectiveness Training. The Proven Program for Raising Responsible Children’’. Three Rivers Press, 2000, ISBN 0-609-80693-9, p. 153.
  44. Thomas Gordon: ‘‘Family Conference in Practice: How Conflicts with Children are Resolved’’. Heyne Verlag, 2012, ISBN 978-3-641-07172-1, p. 116.
  45. Marshall B. Rosenberg: ‘‘Nonviolent Communication – A Language of Life’’. 3rd edition. PuddleDancer Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1-892005-28-1.
  46. Glasl, F. (1982). The Process of Conflict Escalation and Roles of Third Parties. In: Bomers, G.B.J., Peterson, R.B. (eds) Conflict Management and Industrial Relations. Springer, Dordrecht.
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