Conflict management

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 could occur due to differences in views, opinions and ambitions of the individuals with those of the group.

Types of Conflicts

Conflicts can be classified into two types; they are:

1. Peaceful or non-violent conflict: This is defined as the conflict that does not involve the use of force; it could be inform of a disagreement of workers and management over salaries, it is a trade dispute and it is non-violent conflict because the workers and the management will hold a dialogue to resolve 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 1967-1970 civil war in Nigeria which arose as a result of lack of co-operation among Nigerians. In a violent conflict, property is destroyed and people are displaced, injured, or killed.

Causes of Conflicts

The following points below are the causes of conflicts

• Conflict can arise when someone or group or a group of people neglect their roles or duties
• When the funds of the community  or the people are mismanaged by leaders, there is bound to be conflict
• Conflicts can arise when people struggle to get something that other people are also interested in.
• Conflicts also occur in groups, associations and between groups as a result of difference in opinions
• Differences in in the interpretation of the aims or objectives of a group or association
• Absence of mutual trust and understanding amongst people brings about conflict
• It occurs when someone is domination other members of a group
• Rudeness/stubbornness may cause conflict.

Consequences of Conflicts on the society

The following are the effects of conflicts on the society

1. Conflicts result into the breakdown of law and order
2. It makes it difficult for people to achieve common goals and objectives
3. Conflicts bring 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 loss of lives and properties
12. It brings lack of peace and harmony

Conflict management and Resolution

Conflict management can be defined in two ways.

1. It can be referred to as the effort made to stop the conflict from arising
2. It is the effort made when the conflict has already started, to minimize its destructive impact

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

Definition of Peace

Peace is the state of being calm and quite. It is a state or quality of living in friendship with somebody without argument. It is a state in which one is not involved in causing argument or violence. It is freedom from war.

Peace is also the ability to unite with other people’s behavior or better still to tolerate one another’s attitude without complaining.

Exercises

1. Define conflict.
2. State and describe the two types of conflict.
3. Name five (5) causes of conflicts.
4. Discuss six (6) consequences of conflict.
5. Define peace.