Conflict Resolution and Management – SS3 Government Lesson Note (First Term)

Conflict is the breakdown of a harmonious relationship, arising from a clash of interests. It also means disagreement, struggle or quarrel between people. It can be peaceful or violent. Conflict management is the effort to prevent a conflict or limit its harm, while conflict resolution is the effort to end a dispute so that all parties are satisfied.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define conflict.
2. State and describe the types of conflict.
3. Name some causes of conflict.
4. Discuss the consequences of conflict.
5. Describe some ways of resolving conflict.

Instructional techniques and materials

Instructional techniques

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Videos

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Textbook
• Pictures

What is conflict?

Conflict is the breakdown of a harmonious relationship, arising from a clash of interests. It also means disagreement, struggle and quarrel between people. Conflict is natural in every human society. It can occur because of differences between the views, opinions and ambitions of individuals and those of the group.

What are the types of conflict?

Conflicts can be classified into two types:

1. Peaceful or non-violent conflict: This is a conflict that does not involve the use of force. An example is a disagreement between workers and management over salaries. This is a trade dispute. It is non-violent because the workers and the management hold a dialogue to resolve the area of disagreement.
2. Violent conflict: A conflict is violent when it is not settled peacefully and it leads to war. An example is the 1967 to 1970 civil war in Nigeria, which arose as a result of lack of cooperation among Nigerians. In a violent conflict, property is destroyed and people are displaced, injured or killed.

What are the causes of conflict?

The following are the causes of conflict:

1. Conflict can arise when a person or a group neglects their roles or duties.
2. When leaders mismanage the funds of the community or the people, there is bound to be conflict.
3. Conflict can arise when people struggle to get something that other people are also interested in.
4. Conflict also occurs within groups and associations, and between groups, as a result of differences in opinion.
5. Differences in the interpretation of the aims or objectives of a group or association.
6. The absence of mutual trust and understanding among people.
7. Domination of other members of a group by one person.
8. Rudeness or stubbornness.

What are the consequences of conflict on society?

The following are the effects of conflict on society:

1. Conflict results in the breakdown of law and order.
2. It makes it difficult for people to achieve common goals and objectives.
3. It brings about disunity.
4. It brings about hatred and disaffection among members of a group or association.
5. It leads to confusion, insecurity, anxiety and unhappiness.
6. It leads to unhealthy political rivalry.
7. It leads to inefficiency and laziness.
8. It leads to division and separation.
9. It causes mental and emotional disturbances.
10. It leads to a decrease in productivity and economic depression.
11. It leads to the loss of lives and property.
12. It brings a lack of peace and harmony.

What are conflict management and conflict resolution?

Conflict management

Conflict management can be defined in two ways:

1. It is the effort made to stop a conflict from arising.
2. It is the effort made, when a conflict has already started, to minimise its destructive impact.

Conflict resolution

Conflict resolution refers to the deliberate efforts made to resolve disputes for the peace and stability of the warring communities. It brings a conflict to an end because it ensures that all parties to the conflict are satisfied with the settlement.

Evaluation

1. Define conflict.
2. Name and describe the types of conflict.
3. Enumerate four causes of conflict.
4. Highlight four consequences of conflict.
5. Discuss the concept of conflict resolution.

Classwork

As in the evaluation.

Assignment

1. Explain the two ways in which conflict management can be defined.
2. Give one example each of a peaceful conflict and a violent conflict.

Closing: The teacher commends the students positively.