Conflict Intelligence and Systemic Wisdom: Meta‐Competencies for Engaging Conflict in a Complex, Dynamic World

Abstract

Over the last one hundred years, conflict researchers have developed a host of theories about which competencies and skills are most conducive to the constructive management of conflict. Our standard models and methods for conflict resolution, however, are particularly challenged in the face of the world's increasing complexity, dynamism, and unpredictability. In this article, I describe a new framework for addressing these challenges. Based on insights from research in complexity science, psychology, and peace and conflict studies, this framework comprises two meta-competencies that help individuals resolve conflict and promote more constructive and peaceful relations in our rapidly changing world.

Get Complicated: The Effects of Complexity on Conversations over Potentially Intractable Moral Conflicts

“…Conflicts-which exist whenever incompatible activities occur-can differ on many dimensions, including their levels of destructiveness and endurance (Coleman, 2018;Deutsch, 1973). Some disputes are straightforward, with low levels of destructiveness and respond readily to good faith attempts to work them out.…”

Visibility and meaningful recognition for First Peoples: A critical discourse studies approach to communication, culture and conflict intersections in seeking social justice

“…Recent commentary (Coleman, 2018) on efforts at intergroup conflict resolution in school communities such as Dallas, Texas and South Bronx, New York in the United States, and ‘in places like Gaza, Bogota, South Sudan, and Kashmir’ observes that the traditional conflict resolution models and methods may not be relevant. This traditional approach which usesconflict analysis, negotiation, mediation, dialogue, problem solving, and implementation of conflict management curricula and programming – can seem at best like applying bandages to the compound fracture created by a complex, interrelated set of problems involving poverty, violence, and intergroup relations.…”

“…Using Sternberg’s (2007: 37) conceptions of academic or general intelligence and practical or everyday problem solving skills and dispositions, Coleman (2018) defines conflict intelligence as ‘the set of competencies and skills used to manage different types of normative conflicts in diverse or changing situations effectively and constructively’ (p. 14). Associated with this set of competencies and skills are four core competencies.…”

“…Associated with this set of competencies and skills are four core competencies. The first is ‘the awareness of and ability to regulate one’s own conflict orientation, the usually consistent complex of cognitive, motivational, moral, and action orientations to conflict situations that guide one’s conflict behaviours and responses’ (Coleman 2018: 15). The second is constructive conflict resolution using knowledge, skills and attitudes to manage and resolve interpersonal communication.…”

“…The second is constructive conflict resolution using knowledge, skills and attitudes to manage and resolve interpersonal communication. It consists of basic skills such as ‘effective listening, perspective taking, probing for needs and interests, establishing rapport, focusing on similarities and common ground, reframing issues at a needs level, and generating creative and integrative solutions’ (Coleman 2018: 16).…”