Part I: Conflict Awareness
Types of Conflicts
Conflicts originate from different sources and contain different qualities. Different conflicts, therefore, may require different approaches, and be more or less difficult to resolve. The following is a list of conflict types and their sources:
Data / communication conflicts
Sources of conflict include misunderstandings, lack of information, assumptions, differences in perspective, misinformation, and ambiguities.
Structural conflicts
Ineffectual processes, time or geographical constraints, inappropriate structure, organizations, social structures and systems.
Relationship conflicts
Stereotypes, distorted perceptions, unmet expectations, fear, use of power, history.
Interest conflicts
Perceived or actual incompatibility of needs and interests, differences in preferences, style, ways of doing things, differences in emotional needs, etc.
Value conflicts
Opposing beliefs, values, philosophies, worldviews, etc.
Our emotional reactions to any of these types of conflict will determine whether possibilities for conflict develop into actual conflict, and the level at which we experience the conflict. For example, a situation may provoke fears about change, loss, or being controlled. The same situation may provoke a belief that rights have been violated. Depending on the situation and our reaction to it, we may perceive the conflict as a communication breakdown, a conflict between values, or both. (Moore, 2003, Ch. 4)