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WHAT IS CONFLICT RESOLUTION?

Conflict Resolution is the process used to resolve dispute through dialogue.  Its aim is for the parites to gain mutual understanding of needs, perceptions, values and interests, in order to reach a ‘win-win’ and long-lasting resolution.

Conflict Resolution is commonly regarded as an umbrella term that incorporates mediation, arbitration and negotiation, among others. Despite this consensus, it is actually a process in its own right; differing from others in that it focuses on dialogue and does not require the presence of a third-party. While disputing parties can arrive at mutual understanding on their own, specific skills add to its effectiveness and facilitate the adherence to the principles of the process.

One of the main tenets of Conflict Resolution is joint problem-solving, which regards the issue, and not the people, as a shared problem in need of resolution. The other principles of this process are:

  • Understanding one another’s perceptions, values, needs and interests
  • Listening and clarifying assumptions
  • Empathizing, knowing that doing so does not imply a loss of face or position 
  • Creativity, to find new ways to cooperate and arrive at mutually beneficial problem-solving

Conflict Resolution is both holistic and forward-thinking. It looks at commonalities and differences and considers the relationship as a whole – disagreement in one area does not make resolution ‘impossible’, or the relationship itself ‘rotten’.  In addition, joint problem-solving enables parties to find a mutually beneficial solution and also new ways of communicating in the future. When Conflict Resolution is successful, the risk of old issues resurfacing is minimal; were they to however, the parties would already have the methods in place to resolve them together.  

Conflict Resolution is useful for on-going workplace relations, family dynamics and relationships with friends and spouses.

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