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

Conflict management is early action to stop a fresh conflict from getting worse by separating the parties involved. Conflict resolution is settling an existing conflict so that the parties are satisfied and live in peace.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. explain the difference between conflict management and conflict resolution;
2. list the five ways of resolving conflict;
3. describe negotiation, reconciliation, mediation, arbitration and litigation;
4. state the difference between mediation and arbitration;
5. give examples of organisations that mediate in conflicts between countries.

What is conflict?

Conflict is a disagreement between people or groups who have opposing needs, interests or opinions.

• Constructive conflict: a mild disagreement that only needs some wrong actions to be corrected.
• Destructive conflict: a harmful conflict that damages lives, property or relationships and needs quick action.

What is conflict management?

Conflict management is early intervention to prevent or stop a fresh conflict from getting worse.

• Timing: it is done at the start, before the conflict grows.
• Method: the parties are separated so that they cannot fight or harm each other.
• Aim: to keep the situation calm and under control.
• Example in school: a prefect or teacher separates two students who have started to quarrel.
• Example in the community: elders or the police separate two groups before a quarrel turns into a fight.

What is conflict resolution?

Conflict resolution is the settling of an ongoing or existing conflict so that the parties involved are satisfied and live in peace.

• Timing: it deals with a conflict that has already been going on, sometimes for a long time.
• Method: dialogue is used to bring the parties together and find out who is right or wrong.
• Aim: a lasting agreement that both sides accept.

What is the difference between conflict management and conflict resolution?

Management stops a fresh conflict from growing, while resolution settles a conflict that already exists.

What are the ways of resolving conflict?

There are five ways of resolving conflict: negotiation, reconciliation, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

1. Negotiation
2. Reconciliation
3. Mediation
4. Arbitration
5. Litigation

• Note: a conflict may be resolved through one or more of these ways.

What is negotiation?

Negotiation is a way of settling a conflict in which the two parties talk and settle the matter themselves.

• Who is involved: only the two parties in the conflict.
• How it works: each side may give up some needs and interests to the other.
• Result: peace is able to reign.
• Example: two students agree to share a desk after talking about the problem.

What is reconciliation?

Reconciliation is the restoring of a broken relationship after the parties have stated their grievances.

• Stating points: both parties explain their complaints so that the truth is known.
• Justice: both agree to accept justice.
• Forgiveness: both agree to forgive each other.
• Result: a failed relationship is restored.

What is mediation?

Mediation is the use of a neutral third party, called a mediator, to help the parties settle their conflict.

• Role of the mediator: acts as a middleman or go-between and talks to both parties.
• Method: the mediator appeals to the consciences of the parties for a settlement.
• Decision: the mediator helps the parties agree and does not give a binding verdict.
• Example between countries: the United Nations Organization (U.N.O.) mediates in conflicts between countries.
• Example in Africa: the African Union (A.U.) mediates in conflicts between member nations.
• Example in everyday life: a respected elder or religious leader helps two families to settle a quarrel.

What is arbitration?

Arbitration is the handing over of a conflict to an independent body that acts as a judge and gives a decision.

• Who decides: an independent body or person, called the arbitrator.
• Agreement: the parties agree beforehand to accept whatever decision or verdict is given.
• Difference from negotiation: the parties do not settle the matter themselves.
• Example: two companies agree that an independent panel will judge their dispute.

What is litigation?

Litigation is going to a law court to settle a conflict, and it is the final resort.

• When it is used: when the methods above have not worked.
• Plaintiff: the person who brings the case to court.
• Defendant: the person against whom the case is brought.
• Litigants: the plaintiff and the defendant together.
• Judgement: any ruling by the judge in a law court must be obeyed.

What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?

In mediation a third party helps the parties reach their own agreement, while in arbitration a third party decides for them.

Why should conflicts be settled peacefully?

Peaceful settlement protects lives, property and good relationships.

• Peace: the parties live together without fear.
• Saves lives and property: fighting and destruction are avoided.
• Development: time and money are used for progress instead of quarrels.
• Good relationships: friendships, families and communities are kept together.

Evaluation

1. Explain the difference between conflict management and conflict resolution.
2. List the five ways of conflict resolution.
3. What is the role of a mediator?
4. Why is litigation called the final resort?
5. Who are the litigants in a court case?

Assignment

Explain in your own words the difference between mediation and arbitration. Give one example of an organisation that mediates in conflicts between countries.