Conflict. Stages of conflict. Stages of development and conflict resolution

A complex, multifaceted phenomenon, which has its dynamics and structure, is usually referred to as the "conflict". Stages of conflict determine the scenario of its development, which can consist of several relevant periods and phases. This article will discuss this complex socio-psychological phenomenon.

Definition of concept

The dynamics of the conflict can be seen in both a narrow and a broad sense. In the first case, this state implies the most acute stage of confrontation. In broad sense, the stages of the development of the conflict are a long process, in which the phases of clarifying the relations change one another in space and time. There is no unambiguous approach to the consideration of this phenomenon. For example, LD Segodeev identifies three stages of the dynamics of the conflict, each of which is divided into separate phases. Kitov AI divides the process of confrontation into three stages, and VP Galitsky and NF Fedenko - six. Some scientists believe that the conflict is even more complicated. Stages of conflict, in their opinion, have two variants of development, three periods, four stages and eleven phases. In this article, this point of view will be stated.

Development options, periods and stages

Stages of conflict development can be deployed in two different scenarios: the struggle enters the escalation stage (the first option) or passes it (the second option).

Periods of conflict can be described as follows:

1. Differentiation - the opposing sides disconnect, try to defend only their own interests, use active forms of confrontation.
2. Confrontation - the participants in the conflict use hard power methods of struggle.
3. Integration - opponents meet each other and begin to look for a compromise solution.

In addition to options and periods, we can distinguish the following main stages of the conflict:

1. Preconflict (hidden stage).
2. Conflict interaction (counteraction in the active phase, which, in turn, is divided into three phases: incident, escalation, balanced interaction).
3. Permission (completion of confrontation).
4. Post-conflict (possible consequences).

Below we will consider in detail the phases to which each stage of conflict interaction is divided.

Preconflict (main phases)

In the latent stage of development, the following phases can be distinguished:

1. The emergence of a conflict situation. At this stage, a certain contradiction arises between opponents, but they are not yet aware of it and do not take any active steps to defend their positions.
2. Awareness of the conflict situation. At this time, the opposing sides begin to understand that a collision is inevitable. In this case, the perception of the situation is usually subjective. Awareness of the conflicting objective situation can be either erroneous or adequate (that is, correct).
3. An attempt by the opponents to resolve the pondering question in communicative ways, with a competent argumentation of their position.
4. Pre-conflict situation. It arises if the methods of peaceful resolution of the problem of success have not brought. The opposing sides realized the reality of the threat and decided to defend their interests by other methods.

Conflict interaction. Incident

An incident is the deliberate actions of opponents who want to seize the object of the conflict solely, regardless of the consequences. Awareness of the threat to their interests forces the warring parties to use active methods of influence. The incident is the beginning of a collision. He concretizes the alignment of forces and reveals the positions of the conflicting parties. At this stage, opponents still have little idea of their resources, potentials, forces and means, which will help them to prevail. This circumstance, on the one hand, restrains the conflict, and on the other - forces it to develop further. At this phase, the opponents begin to appeal to a third party, that is, to appeal to the legal authorities for the approval and protection of their interests. Each of the subjects of confrontation is trying to attract the largest number of supporters.

Conflict interaction. Escalation

This stage is characterized by a sharp increase in the aggressiveness of the opposing sides. At the same time, their subsequent destructive actions are much more intense than the previous ones. The consequences are difficult to predict if the conflict is so far. Stages of conflict in their development are divided into several stages:

1. A sharp decrease in the cognitive sphere in activity and behavior. Subjects confront the transition to a more aggressive, primitive ways of confrontation.
2. Ousting the objective perception of the opponent in a universally "enemy" way. This image becomes leading in the information model of the conflict.
3. Increased emotional stress.
4. Sharp transition from reasonable arguments to personal attacks and claims.
5. The growth of the hierarchical rank of forbidden and violated interests, their constant polarization. The interests of the parties are made bipolar.
6. Uncompromising use of violence as an argument.
7. Loss of the original object of the collision.
8. The generalization of the conflict, its transition to the global stage.
9. Involvement of new participants in the confrontation.

The above characteristics are typical for both interpersonal and group conflicts. In this case, the initiators of the collision can support and form these processes in every way possible by manipulating the consciousness of the opposing sides. It must be emphasized that in the process of escalation, the conscious sphere of the psyche of opponents gradually loses its significance.

Conflict interaction. Balanced interaction

In this phase, the actors of the conflict understand, finally, that they can not solve the problem by force. They continue to struggle, but the degree of aggressiveness gradually decreases. However, the parties have not yet taken any real actions aimed at a peaceful settlement of the situation.

Conflict Resolution

Stages of conflict resolution are characterized by the cessation of active confrontation, the awareness of the need to sit at the negotiating table and transition to active interaction.

1. Completion of the active phase of the collision can be provoked by several factors: a radical change in the value system of the conflicting parties; Obvious weakening of one of the opponents; Obvious futility of further action; Overwhelming superiority of one of the parties; Appearance in the confrontation of a third party, capable of making a significant contribution to the solution of the problem.
2. The actual resolution of the conflict. The parties begin to negotiate, completely abandon the power methods of struggle. The ways of resolving the confrontation can be as follows: changing the positions of the conflicting parties; Elimination of one or all of the participants in the confrontation; Destruction of the object of conflict; Effective negotiations; Appeal of opponents to a third party, playing the role of an arbitrator.

Conflict can end in other ways: damping (fading) or growing into a confrontation of another level.

Post-conflict phase

1. Partial resolution. The stages of social conflict end at this relatively peaceful stage. This condition is characterized by the persistence of emotional tension, negotiations take place in an atmosphere of mutual statements of claims. At this stage of confrontation, post-conflict syndrome often arises, which is fraught with the development of a new dispute.
2. Normalization, or full resolution of the conflict. This phase is characterized by a complete elimination of negative attitudes and a new level of constructive interaction. Stages of conflict management at this stage are fully completed. The parties restore relations and begin productive joint activities.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, the conflict can develop in two scenarios, one of which implies the absence of an escalation phase. In this case, the confrontation between the parties is more constructive.

Each conflict has its borders. The stages of the conflict are limited by temporal, spatial and intrasystemic frameworks. The duration of a collision is characterized by its time duration. Intrasystemic boundaries are caused by the allocation of antagonists from the total number of participants.

Thus, the conflict is a complex interaction between aggressively minded opponents. Its development is subject to certain laws, knowledge of which can help the participants of the collision avoid possible losses and come to an agreement in a peaceful, constructive way.