TOOLS FOR CONFLICT ANALYSIS

The Iceberg Model

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One of the classical ideas in conflict resolution is to distinguish between the positions (i.e. concrete demands) held by the parties to the conflict and their underlying interests and needs. Interests are often easier to reconcile than concrete positions, since there are usually several positions that might satisfy them.

For example, two neighbours quarrel over a tree. Each neighbour takes the position that the tree is on her land (positions: "The tree is on my land." "No, the tree is on my land.") No compromise is possible, since the tree cannot be sawn in half. It turns out, however, that the interest of one neighbour is in using the fruit of the tree (Interest: "I want the fruit of the tree."), and the interest of the other is in having the shade (Interest: "I want to sit in the shade."). The positions may be irreconcilable at first, but the interests might be. New positions can be found to satisfy the interests of both parties.
For more reading refer to: Burton, John. (ed.) 1990: Conflict: Human Needs Theory (vol. 2 of the Conflict Series). London: Macmillan. Fisher, Roger and Ury, William. 1981: Getting to Yes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
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The Conflict Triangle

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This Conflict Triangle analyses certain basic elements often present in conflict. One way of conceptualising the relationship between these elements is a triangle with Attitudes, Behaviours and structures at the tops of the triangle. Each element influences and is influenced by the other elements.

Attitudes include the parties' perceptions and misperceptions of each other and of themselves. These can be positive or negative, but conflicting parties often tend to develop demeaning stereotypes of the other.

Behaviours can include cooperation or coercion, gestures signifying conciliation or hostility.