Managing and Resolving Conflicts – JSS3 Social Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Conflict resolution and management

Conflict is not always destructive. Sometimes, it only requires correcting some wrong actions. It is a negative or destructive conflict that is bad and requires quick intervention. 

Management has to do with early intervention before a conflict, i.e.. to prevent or  stop a fresh conflict before it degenerates by separating the parties involved through effective management.

Conflict resolution, on the other hand, has to do with settling a conflict that has long started through dialogue, bringing together the parties involved to know who is right or wrong. 

Conflict Resolution

This has to do with trying to settle an ongoing or existing conflict or disagreement so that the parties involved will be satisfied and live in peace.

Ways of conflict resolution include:
(i) Negotiation
(ii) Reconciliation
(iii) Mediation
(iv) Arbitration
(v) Litigation

Conflict could be resolved through one or more of the above-listed processes.

Negotiation: This has to do with the two parties involved in the conflict initiating and facilitating the settlement. They may agree to concede to each other some needs and interests to enable peace to reign.

Reconciliation: Before negotiation, both parties may have mentioned their points or grievances to explore the truth and agree to accept justice and forgiveness. This will facilitate restoration of failed relationship.

Mediation: This has to do with bringing in a third party or mediator to act as a middleman or a go-between, to take the conflict resolution by talking to the parties involved in the conflict. For instance, conflicts between countries are usually mediated by U.N.O. Besides, the African Union (A.U.) mediates in conflicts between member nations. The mediator will talk to the parties and appeal to their consciences for resolution.

Arbitration: This has to do with the parties involved in the conflict handing over their matter to an act as a judge, and agree to agree to an independent body with whatever decision or verdict of the body. For instance, the United Nations Organization, the African Union, also, sometimes, impose their verdicts on the parties in conflict.

Litigation: This has to do with going to a court for settlement when the above methods of resolution do not work. Litigation is taken as the final resort. Here, both the plaintiff and defendant become the litigants, and any ruling by the judge in a law court must be obeyed.