CONFLICT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Working Towards a Resolution

Bolaji Okusaga

Conflict – A Review

Definition

An expressed struggle between at least two

interdependent parties who perceive

incompatible goals, scare resources

interference from others in achieving their

goals” (Wilmot and Hocker, 1998)

Condition

Conflicts exist whenever incompatible activities

occur.

Origination

Conflicts may originate from a number of different

sources, including:

Differences in information, beliefs, values, interests, or

desires.

A scarcity of some resource.

Rivalries in which one person or group competes

with another.

Toward Conflict Management

Conflict management is defined as “the opportunity to improve situations and strengthen relationships” (BCS,

2004).

–proactive conflict

management

–collaborative conflict

management

Group Presentations

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Team Alpha

• Focus on the Shell-Ogoni Conflict

• You have been appointed a mediator in the Conflict:– What steps will you take to bring the warring

parties to the table?– What Mechanisms will you build to stave-off

future conflicts

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Team Beta• Focus on the Nigeria Aviation Ministry’s conflict

with Concessionaires at the local and international Airport in Lagos – Bi-Courtney and Maevis

• You are an Arbitrator sitting over the resolution of this conflict with a view to making recommendations on lessons learned:– What should have been done to prevent disagreements

and litigations over concession agreements– What lessons exist in this conflict for the Oil and Gas

Industry

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Team Ceaser

• Focus on the recent U.S Government shut-down

• You are an Analyst reviewing the situation:

– Do a timeline analysis of the issues that led to the conflict

– Attempt an analysis of the critical paths that led to the resolution of the conflict

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