CONFLICT SOURCE

'Conflict is an intrinsic and inevitable aspect of social change. It is an expression of the heterogeneity of interests, values and beliefs that arise as new formations generated by social change come up against inherited constraints. But the way we deal with conflict is a matter of habit and choice. It is possible to change habitual responses and exercise intelligent choices.' (1)

'One typical habit in conflict is to give very high priority to defending one's own interests.' (2)

'One of the classical ideas in conflict resolution is to distinguish between the positions held by the parties and their underlying interests and needs.' (3)

'Matters may be more difficult if the conflict is over values (which are often non-negotiable) or relationships, which may need to be changed to resolve the conflict, although the same principle of looking for a deeper level of compatible underlying motives applies. (4)

(1) H. Miall, O. Ramsbotham, T. Woodhouse, "Contemporary conflict resolution: the prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts", Published by Wiley-Blackwell, 1999, p.5
(2) Ibid., p.5
(3) Ibid., p.9
(4) Ibid., p.9