Reflective Essay 3

Running Head: CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCESS 1

Conflict Resolution Process

Student’s Name

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Course

Instructor’s Name

Conflict Resolution Process

Diverse views, opinions, as well as ideas among individuals often result in conflict (Wallensteen, 2015). In order to improve relations and evade conflicts, an individual is required to put up with one another to a certain level. As a matter of fact, fights and conflicts ought to be curbed so as to thwart associated adverse consequences such as unnecessary tensions, stress and anxiety (Wallensteen, 2015). The six-step resolution roadmap is important for formulation of effective conflict resolution strategies and interventions. The six-step resolution roadmap presents a set of practices for creating an individual’s conflict resolution synergies regardless of the prevailing circumstances (Wallensteen, 2015). These practices equip a person with essential skills and experiences necessary for resolving disputes (Wallensteen, 2015). Resolution roadmap can be represented using the diagram shown below.

Reaching consensus

Brainstorming

Reframing strategies

Asking analytical questions

Building trust

Identifying the issues

Communication plays an integral role in conflict resolution or management. It is essential in conflict solving because it can raise knowledge and minimize the risk of rushing to generalize ideas or make conclusions (Khor, 2015). Several studies have found that ineffective communication often leads to misapprehensions and ultimately conflicts (Khor, 2015). Communication in which probable conflict is completely absent is regarded as unauthentic (Khor, 2015). As a result, it does not satisfy the features of efficiency. People should convey their ideas and opinions in a precise and clear manner to avert potential conflicts. Indeed, thoughts ought to be cautiously converted into meaningful and sensible words to ensure others understand something better. From perspective of conflicts avoidance, prevention, resolution and management, interpersonal communication is very crucial. Although interpersonal communication has potential of generating conflict within itself, it can perform numerous roles in resolving conflicts (Khor, 2015).

Communication employs three functions to address conflicts. First function is helping people understand themselves, as well as the other people they interact with. This is important because people are able to understand what to expect from others and have an idea of how they can influence them (Khor, 2015). In addition, individuals are able to make their position known to others so that other individuals can respond to it. Second function involves establishing unswerving relationship with others. This makes sure people give significance to their reality. Last but not least function is about the element of communication persuasion and influence. This element expands the idea of collaboration, as well as shared effort (Khor, 2015). The association between conflict and communication is an interdependent one (Khor, 2015). Communication can accelerate conflicts, engender conflicts, prevent conflicts, and assist in conflict resolving and management actions. Therefore, it presents a very significant factor when handling any conflict. Since obstructing and perturbing communication is a paramount source of conflict, it is important to identify factors that are thought to hinder the process of communication (Khor, 2015).

Identifying the problem and building trust are very essential steps of dealing with conflicts. It is a common understanding that conflict cannot stand on its own (Wallensteen, 2015). Several background issues or problems may be involved in a given conflict. Problems are the underlying causes of conflicts (Wallensteen, 2015) and thus having a clear understanding of the nature of problems can help resolve conflicts. In fact, the more information one gathers in regard to the cause of the conflict, the higher the chances of effectively solving the conflict. Problem identification helps the person involved in conflict management to better understand the prevailing situation and apply his/her impartiality (Wallensteen, 2015). A problem in conflict may offer a feasible path through which the conflict may be resolved. When key issues in conflict are identified, it is possible to develop an intervention that would solve the conflict once and for all. However, improper problem analysis may only solve a part of the conflict implying that there is high potential of the conflict re-emerging in near future.

Trust can be described as a psychological state involving the willingness to accept liability on grounds of rewarding expectations of behavior or intentions of another individual (Dickie, 2015). The interdependence among people creates the need for trust. Research has identified trust as an important dimension of effective conflict resolution (Dickie, 2015). Trust has been closely related to enhanced problem solving, cooperation, as well as information sharing (Dickie, 2015). People who trust one another are more open and can give valuable information regarding the kind of conflict they are going through. Nonetheless, trust reduces incidents of bias and disrespect during the process of solving the conflict (Dickie, 2015).

References

Dickie, J. (2015). Trust and Conflict Resolution: Relationship Building for Learning. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 197, 2066-2073.

Khor, A. C. (2015). Effective and Appropriate Communication and Conflict Management in Global Organization (Doctoral dissertation, Monash University).

Wallensteen, P. (2015). Understanding conflict resolution. Sage.