CONFLICT ANALYSIS: SEEING THE CONFLICT CLEARLY

Looking at conflict to gain perspective, understanding, insight and clarity.

The origins of the conflict  Who are the parties

 who is the conflict between (individuals, groups,

within a group)

 cultures of the parties (race, gender,

socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, sexual
orientation, occupation, age)
Conflict sources/triggers  how can conflict be described, how do you know
this is a source of the conflict?
 relationship,
 value,
 data,
 interests,
 structure

Type of conflict  Based solely on mis perception or

(communication)
 Does it exist in fixed conditions (i.e. in order
for resolution there has to be some change in
external conditions)
 Is the conflict dependent on conditions that
can be easily changed
 Is the expressed conflict really the central
conflict
 Is the conflict being expressed between the
right people
 Is the real conflict submerged not yet
occurring

achieving a satisfying resolution  are the parties identifying their interests

 are the parties acknowledging their needs

 This will not be part of your final
analysis, but are important questions  interests are stated not assumed
for you to consider as you decide how
you will manage this conflict differently  everyone’s interests are explored
and the tools that you will use
 positions are distinguished from interests

 interests not positions are the focus of the

conversation

Phoebe Barash
Adapted from Kathryn Girard and Susan Koch
Copyright 2008
EARCOS

16
Phoebe Barash
Adapted from Kathryn Girard and Susan Koch
Copyright 2008
EARCOS

16