Conflict Matrix

September 30, 2023

In my understanding of the assignments, here are six conflict analysis theories, models, or schemata, along with a brief description of each, followed by one separate conflict for each category that could be addressed with that tool:

1.Conflict Resolution Styles (Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument) *:

   – Description: Categorizes individuals’ responses to conflict into five styles: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating.

   – Conflict Example: Workplace dispute between two colleagues with competing interests and communication breakdowns.

2.Ripeness Theory:

   – Description: Focuses on the conditions that make a conflict ripe for resolution, emphasizing timing and external mediation.

   – Conflict Example: A long-standing territorial dispute between two neighboring countries that is showing signs of de-escalation and willingness to negotiate.

3.Conflict Transformation (Lederach’s Pyramid):

   – Description: Goes beyond resolution to address underlying structural and cultural factors contributing to conflicts, aiming to change the conflict’s nature.

   – Conflict Example: An ethnic conflict rooted in historical grievances, where reconciliation efforts are needed to build trust and address systemic discrimination.

4.Power and Conflict Triangle:

   – Description: Examines the dynamics of power in conflicts and helps identify strategies for balancing power and achieving more equitable solutions.

   – Conflict Example: Labor-management dispute in a company where the workforce seeks fair wages and better working conditions.

5.Identity-Based Conflict Analysis (Social Identity Theory):

   – Description: Explores how group identities contribute to conflicts, considering how individuals’ group affiliations affect perceptions and behavior.

   – Conflict Example: Religious tensions within a diverse community leading to intergroup conflicts and the need for interfaith dialogue.

6.Conflict Mapping:

   – Description: Involves visual representation of conflict dynamics, including key actors, issues, interests, and relationships.

   – Conflict Example: Environmental conflict over the allocation of water resources in a region, with various stakeholders and complex interconnections.

To connect the six tools with the six conflicts, we can create a simple matrix:

Conflict Analysis Tool	Conflict Example
1. Conflict Resolution Styles	Workplace dispute between two colleagues
2. Ripeness Theory	Territorial dispute between neighboring countries
3. Conflict Transformation	Ethnic conflict with historical grievances
4. Power and Conflict Triangle	Labor-management dispute in a company
5. Identity-Based Conflict Analysis	Religious tensions within a diverse community
6. Conflict Mapping	Environmental conflict over water resource allocation

This matrix associates each conflict analysis tool with a relevant conflict example, demonstrating how each tool can be applied to analyze or address specific types of conflicts.