Conflict Resolution – Understanding Reconciliation (I)

While conflict in it's own right has allowed us as individuals, societies and nations to better understand ourselves through realisation of our wants and needs, it has also allowed us to better (mis)understand the parties involved. The outcome or aftermath of a conflict isn't always peaceful – there are times when both or at least one party/parties go away worse off than having started with, while other times a perceived conclusion may seem like the conflict is resolved though parties may be unhappy with the brand of “justice” they receive.

This is where conflict resolution comes in. At the core, conflict resolution aims to provide a method in which two or more parties are able to find a solution to a disagreement among them. At any level, the base principles stay the same -

The goals of Conflict Resolution are:

· To realise a solution wherein all parties are happy to agree to

· To work as quickly as possible toward finding a viable means to the aforementioned solution

· To improve, not further hurt, the relationship between parties in question

· (By extension of principle) To tackle the issue at a grassroots problem to make sure the solution is effective and doesnt generate any resentment

Conflict resolution, being classified as another Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method, is conceptualised as a process that facilitates a peaceful ending of conflict and retribution. The applied framework of this method therefore is important in which parties must be able to distinguish firstly the touchpoints of a conflict and under what dimensions a conflict is both self and outwardly processed.

Broadly, the three dimensions applied when approaching resolution -

· Cognitive resolution

· This is the dimension in which disputants try to understand and view the conflict, applying their own experiences, 'truths', beliefs and perspectives.

· Emotional resolution

- This exists in the way of how parties feel about a conflict, and how those emotional responses are created and associated. An action may not be inherently bad, but the emotional framework of an individual can cause subjectivity.

· Behaviourial Resolution

· This dimension stems off emotional and approach based responses that to an individual have become routine in conditioning. Often times behavioural patterns are tied deeply into the emotional state a person has adopted or developed.

Put simply, conflict resolution involves a host of soft skills that not everyone may possess. At Mediate2Resolve Online, we offer professional mediation services for a host of situations, ranging from disputes in the workplace to miscommunications at home. We also offer workshops for both students and professionals looking to enhance their skillset. Please click here to be taken to our website and explore our full range of services and workshops.