The concept of conflict. Structure and types of conflicts. Dynamics of conflict.

Dynamics of conflict. Stages of its development

Conflict is a way to achieve a kind of unity, even if it is achieved at the cost of destroying one of the parties involved in the conflict (G. Simmel)

The dynamics of conflict development as a sudden or gradual change in relations between interacting participants, depending on the specifics of their interpersonal relationships, the characterological characteristics of the participants and the significance of the goals they pursue, taking into account the reality factors influencing them. In general, the dynamics of conflict development presuppose such phases (stages).

1. Pre-conflict . It is characterized by the accumulation and aggravation of contradictions in the system of interpersonal and group relations. Conflict does not arise instantly; it is preceded by hidden or open socio-psychological processes between individuals either in the consciousness of an individual or in a group, i.e. a conflict situation. A conflict situation is understood as a relatively stable discrepancy over a certain period of time between a person’s intentions (aspirations) and the conditions for their achievement.

An objectively arisen conflict situation can end. Not to receive further development only as a result of changes in objective circumstances. A situation that has arisen subjectively can end either due to objective changes or on the initiative of the opposing parties.

2. Conflict stage. Divided into four phases.

At the zero phase - Incident, reason

– there is a transition from a conflict situation to a conflict.
In the first phase - conflict escalation
- the stage of an expanded conflict, when the aggravation of contradictions between its participants reaches a maximum and the mobilization of all resources occurs: material, political, financial, informational, physical, mental, etc. Negotiations and other peaceful methods of resolving the conflict at this stage are difficult .
Reason gives way to emotions, the original cause and main goal of the conflict may be lost, and new reasons and new goals come to the fore. The conflict becomes spontaneous and uncontrollable. In the second phase - the culmination of the conflict
- one of the parties attacks its opponent in order to resolve contradictions.
This phase of conflict behavior leads to increased confrontation. At the same time, they stimulate the onset of a moment of “revaluation of values.” The third phase
- the phase of choosing ways for further interaction between opponents.
1) given the current balance of power, seek reconciliation, reduce the level of tension in relations, make concessions and thus end the conflict or transfer it again into a hidden form in order to subsequently return to the original conflict situation;
2) further escalation, continuation of the conflict with the involvement of additional (external) resources, bringing it to a higher degree of aggravation.. On the initiative of the participants in the conflict confrontation themselves or an outside force interested in ending the conflict, measures are taken to stop the confrontation, direct the conflict into mutually acceptable framework, resolve it in one way or another.

The third stage is post-conflict , has several phases. Initially, there is a tendency towards normalizing the conflict and eliminating it as such. This happens due to the obvious advantages of one of the parties or the enemy’s fear of suffering excessive damage. Conflictants deplete their resources to such an extent that they inevitably come to the idea of ​​mutual compromise, the need for negotiations among themselves or with the help of a third party. the phase can be characterized by the concept of “consensus”. Consensus is understood not only as one of the possible results of the end of the conflict, but also as a certain state of the organization or its divisions, the opposite of the conflict one. The final phase – summing up, evaluating the results

The end of a conflict means any end or cessation. It can be the result of both mutual reconciliation of the parties, the achievement of a certain agreement between them, and the gradual fading of the confrontation or its escalation into another conflict. The main prerequisite for ending the conflict is the elimination of objective and weakening of the subjective causes that gave rise to the conflict situation.

Methods for resolving conflicts are usually:

Conflict suppression

· prevention, “cancellation” of conflict

· conflict resolution

Any conflict ends someday. The end of a conflict is the end of a conflict, regardless of the reasons for which it arose.

The end of a conflict can occur in several ways, among which the following are usually distinguished: 1) complete cessation of the conflict through mutual reconciliation of the parties on some basis; 2) cessation of the conflict due to the victory of one of the parties; 3) weakening of the conflict almost to complete reconciliation on the basis of mutual concessions or concessions of one of the parties; 4) transformation of the conflict by escalating into a new conflict that overshadows the first, or escalating into a permanent conflict situation; 5) gradual attenuation of the conflict based on spontaneous flow; 6) mechanical destruction of the conflict; 7) the main forms of ending a conflict are: resolution, settlement, attenuation, elimination, escalation into another conflict.

Conflict resolution is a joint activity of its participants aimed at ending opposition and solving the problem that led to the conflict. Conflict resolution involves the activity of both parties to transform the conditions in which they interact, to eliminate the causes of the conflict. To resolve the conflict, it is necessary to change the parties themselves (or at least one of them), their positions that they defended in the conflict. Often the resolution of a conflict is based on changing the attitude of opponents towards its object or towards each other. Conflict resolution does not necessarily follow the incident. The conflict can be resolved at any stage, and it may not come to conflicting actions. This occurs due to the fact that the duration of any stage of the conflict is uncertain and some stages may be dropped. The conflict may remain unresolved, or may remain at the stage of a conflict situation, i.e. the conflict will not arise, you can leave the conflict immediately after realizing it, leaving it unresolved.

Several stages of conflict resolution can be named: 1) identifying the actual participants in the conflict situation; 2) identification of motives, goals, abilities, character traits, professional competence of the participants in the conflict; 3) study of the interpersonal relations of the conflict participants that existed before the conflict situation; 4) determining the true cause of the conflict; 5) studying the intentions and ideas of the conflicting parties about ways to resolve the conflict; 6) identifying the attitudes towards the conflict of persons who are not involved in the conflict situation, but are interested in its positive resolution; 7) identification and application of methods for resolving a conflict situation that would be adequate to the nature of its causes, would take into account the characteristics of the persons involved in the conflict, would be constructive in nature, would correspond to the goals of improving interpersonal relationships and would contribute to the development of the team.

Conflict resolution differs from its resolution in that a third party takes part in eliminating the contradiction between its parties. Its participation is possible both with and without the consent of the warring parties. To resolve a conflict, it is necessary first of all to analyze the conflict situation, and then take the necessary actions: a) find out the reasons, not the reasons for the conflict; b) identify conflict zones, i.e. the involvement of certain forces (it is necessary to distinguish between the business sides of the conflict and the interpersonal sides); c) find out the motives of people entering into conflict (motivations and explanations of reasons may not coincide with the true state of affairs, and the inability to find out motives leads to the impossibility of resolving the conflict); d) impartiality is required when analyzing conflict situations;

Conflict resolution involves: • increasing openness and mutual trust of the conflicting parties; • establishing their direct contacts with each other; • organizing an open, unbiased discussion and joint analysis of the current situation, or (as a last resort) stopping all contacts between opponents; • influencing the conflicting parties in the interests of conflict resolution.

The fading of a conflict is a temporary cessation of opposition while maintaining the main signs of the conflict and tense relations between its participants. The conflict moves from an “overt” form to a hidden one. The fading of the conflict usually occurs as a result of: depletion of the resources of both sides necessary for the fight; loss of motive to fight, reduction in the importance of the object of the conflict; reorientation of the motivation of the parties (the emergence of new problems that are more significant than the struggle in the conflict). The elimination of a conflict is understood as such an impact on it, as a result of which the main structural elements of the conflict are eliminated. Despite the “unconstructiveness” of elimination, there are situations that require quick and decisive influence on the conflict (threat of violence, loss of life, lack of time or material capabilities). Evolution into another conflict occurs when a new, more significant contradiction arises in the relations of the parties and the object of the conflict changes. The criteria for constructive conflict resolution are the degree to which the contradiction underlying the conflict is resolved and the victory of the right opponent in it. It is important that when resolving a conflict, a solution is found to the problem that caused it. The more completely the contradiction is resolved, the greater the chances for normalization of relations between the participants, the less likely it is for the conflict to escalate into a new confrontation. No less significant is the victory of the right side. The affirmation of truth and the victory of justice have a beneficial effect on the socio-psychological climate in the relationship between the warring parties. At the same time, it must be remembered that the wrong side also has its own interests. If you ignore them altogether and do not strive to reorient the motivation of the wrong opponent, then this is fraught with new conflicts in the future.

64. Dynamics of conflict

Dynamics of conflict -

it is a process of conflict change.

Stages of the conflict:

pre-conflict situation -

This is the time of ripening of the conflict, development and aggravation of the contradictions that cause it. Contradictions and facts leading to confrontation are hidden during this period and are not clearly revealed. Future opponents of the conflict do not yet understand the growth and consequences of the already emerging conflict. A pre-conflict situation is characterized by the existence of a real possibility of conflict, which can still be resolved “peacefully”. Awareness of the causes of a potential conflict in a pre-conflict situation can be adequate (correct) and inadequate. If the causes of the conflict are inadequately perceived, it cannot be eliminated completely, since the true causes of the conflict will sooner or later make themselves felt, and a delay in resolving the conflict can only increase its severity.

open conflict

occurs when the conflict of interests reaches such a degree of maturity that they can no longer be ignored or hidden, the presence of confrontation becomes obvious to everyone. Stages of open conflict:

incident

- this is a trigger mechanism that initiates open confrontation between the parties, the beginning of a conflict. Unlike an incident, a reason (a specific event that serves as an impetus, a subject for the beginning of conflict actions) is not yet a conflict.

The incident is characterized by the exposure of the positions of the parties, the division into “friends” and “foes”, but the real forces of the opponents are not yet fully known, which can help contain the development of the conflict or its further development. At this stage, the following is carried out: “reconnaissance”, collecting information about the true capabilities and intentions of opponents, searching for allies and attracting additional forces to one’s side. It is still possible to resolve the conflict peacefully.

escalation of the conflict

— the stage of an expanded conflict, when the aggravation of contradictions between its participants reaches a maximum and all resources are mobilized: material, political, financial, informational, physical, mental, etc. Negotiations and other peaceful methods of resolving the conflict at this stage are difficult. Reason gives way to emotions, the original cause and main goal of the conflict may be lost, and new reasons and new goals come to the fore. The conflict becomes spontaneous and uncontrollable.

At this stage, an image of an enemy is created, a demonstration of force and the threat of its use, the use of violence occurs, and there is a tendency to expand and deepen the conflict.

ending the conflict

- the final stage of an open period of conflict, which can occur when one or both parties are clearly weakened or their resources are exhausted, which does not allow further confrontation, the obvious futility of continuing the conflict and its awareness by its participants, the predominance of one of the parties and its ability to suppress or impose on the opponent their will, the appearance of a third party in the conflict and its ability and desire to end the confrontation. Completion of the conflict can be achieved by eliminating the opponent or both opponents, eliminating the object of the conflict, changing the positions of both or one of the parties to the conflict, with the participation of a new force in the conflict that can end it through coercion, with the parties to the conflict turning to an arbitrator and ending it through arbitration judges or through negotiations. The end of a conflict can be peaceful or violent, constructive or destructive.

post-conflict period

— a period of elimination of the main types of tension, normalization of relations between the parties.

Main periods and stages of conflict dynamics

MAIN PERIODS AND STAGES OF THE CONFLICT DYNAMICS

The dynamics of the conflict is the course of development of the conflict in stages and phases under the influence of the factors and conditions acting on it.

1. Pre-conflict (latent period). It includes the following steps:

— the emergence of an objective problem situation. The essence of this stage is the emergence of a contradiction that is not yet recognized and there are no conflicting actions. If you do not count the cases when a false conflict arises, then the conflict is usually generated by an objective problem situation;

— awareness of an objective problem situation. Reality is perceived as problematic, and there is a need to take measures to resolve the contradiction. A number of objective and subjective reasons contribute to the distortion of the perceived situation;

— attempts by the parties to resolve an objective problem situation in non-conflict ways. They consist of various types of informing the opposing side - persuasion, clarification, request, etc. In any case, at this stage the parties argue their interests and fixes take positions;

— the emergence of a pre-conflict situation is perceived as the presence of an immediate threat to the security of one of the parties to the interaction or to socially important interests.

2. The conflict itself (open period), which includes the stages:

- incident - the first clash of the parties, an attempt to use force to solve the problem in one’s favor. If the resources involved by one of the parties are sufficient to shift the balance of forces in their favor, then the conflict may be limited to an incident;

- escalation - a sharp intensification of the struggle of opponents; that part of the conflict that begins with the incident and ends with the weakening of the struggle, the transition to the end of the conflict;

- balanced counteraction. Here it is discovered that the use of force methods does not produce results, the intensity of the struggle is reduced, but actions to achieve agreement have not yet been taken;

- ending the conflict - transition from conflict opposition to finding a solution to the problem and ending the conflict for any reason.

3. Post-conflict situation (latent period). It includes the following stages:

— partial normalization of relationships: negative emotions have not disappeared, understanding of one’s position is taking place, correction of self-esteem, levels of aspiration, attitude towards a partner;

- complete normalization of relations. This stage occurs when the parties realize the importance of further constructive interaction. This is facilitated by overcoming negative attitudes, productive participation in joint activities, and establishing trust.

In a conflict, one can distinguish a time period that is characterized by differentiation of the parties. Here the conflict is developing upward, disagreements between the parties are intensifying. The confrontation continues until further escalation loses its meaning. From this moment the integration process begins.

The essence of the dynamics of various types of conflicts

Definition 1
The dynamics of various types of conflicts is a system of sequential stages of the life cycle of a conflict, the specifics of each of which differ depending on what type of conflict is being discussed in each specific case.

From the analysis of the above definition, we can conclude that the dynamics of various types of conflicts differ significantly based on the type of conflict in which its dynamics are characterized in a particular study. The indicated feature is due to the fact that various conflicts have their own subject composition, prerequisites and conditions for their emergence, growth and resolution, features of post-conflict behavior, and so on.

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In the most general form, in relation to the characteristics of the dynamics of various types of conflicts, it seems appropriate to note that significant differences in the structure of stages of development exist between the dynamics of intrapersonal and social conflicts, which include interpersonal and intergroup conflicts, as well as conflicts between an individual and a group.

In this regard, in order to fully illuminate the issue of the specifics of the dynamics of various types of conflicts, it seems more reasonable to consider the specific dynamics of the named categories of conflicts.

Dynamics of social conflicts

As noted above, the peculiarities of the emergence, development and resolution of conflicts, as dynamic processes, are significantly influenced by what type of conflict we are talking about.

Thus, the following dynamic stages are characteristic of social conflict:

1. The stage of formation of a conflict situation caused by the emergence or long-term existence of certain contradictions between social entities (individuals or groups). It should be noted that, according to many researchers, the emergence of contradictions between social actors is an inevitable fact in the life of society. In other words, this stage is a natural process that cannot be avoided, however, the formation of a conflict situation, as a rule, occurs gradually, and therefore, its timely identification and impact on existing contradictions can prevent the conflict situation from escalating into an open conflict confrontation;
2. The stage of conflict awareness, the specifics of which vary depending on how adequately the parties are able to assess the existing conflict. Thus, the most optimal situation is in which the parties are able to correctly assess existing disagreements, take into account the interests and needs of the other party, etc. However, at the same time, social conflicts are also characterized by the opposite situations, in which the parties are either unable to assess all components of the conflict objectively, or do not recognize the existence of the conflict at all;
3. Stage of conflict behavior - at this stage, the parties take active actions, which can be expressed in open verbal or physical confrontation, avoidance of conflict, or in the search for optimal ways to resolve the relevant conflict during negotiations.
4. The stage of resolving the conflict in whole or in part. The difference between complete and partial resolution of a social conflict is that in the first case, the consistent and complete elimination of existing contradictions that initially led to the emergence of a social conflict is assumed. In turn, with a partial resolution of the conflict, there is a situation of adjustment of the external forms of behavior of the parties, but there is no impact on the true causes and preconditions of social conflicts.

Finished works on a similar topic

Course work Dynamics of various types of conflicts 430 ₽ Abstract Dynamics of various types of conflicts 230 ₽ Examination Dynamics of various types of conflicts 200 ₽

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Beginning of the conflict

Analyzing the essence of the conflict, we come to establish its time boundaries, namely, the moment of beginning and end. Determining these points is important for distinguishing a conflict from a pre-conflict, as well as developing strategies for resolving one or another type of conflict.

The beginning of a conflict is the initial act of opposition between the parties.

In order for a conflict to occur, three conditions must coincide:

• conscious and active actions to the detriment of another participant or group of participants, and here both physical actions and actions in the form of information transfer can be carried out;
• awareness of the direction of these actions against an opponent or group of opponents;
• In response to the actions taken, the opponent takes a response action against the first participant.

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As a rule, when one of the interacting parties takes aggressive actions, the other takes a passive position. There may be no conflict in cases where one of the parties is planning a conflictual counteraction, but at the same time performs only mental actions, and not physical ones. Conflict can end in any form, with different outcomes. However, in any case, its completion implies the cessation of the opponents’ actions towards each other.