Introduction
The management of violent conflicts within military contexts has long been a topic of significant academic interest. However, defining successful military conflict management remains a challenge. This essay delves into the theoretical foundations of conflict management, synthesizes existing literature, and examines the purpose of military conflict management operations. By exploring the escalation of conflicts into violence and the role of third-party military interventions, it aims to connect peace operations with the study of violent conflict regulation. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of conflict management and the military’s role in this domain.
Conflict Management Strategies
Within the realm of conflict management, an extensive array of diverse strategies exists, each classified in distinct ways. Proksch (2019) categorizes these strategies into four main measures: separative, issue-related, integrative, and individual-related approaches. Further elaboration on these strategies unveils their nuances and reveals two overarching categories, each with its unique nature and objectives.
Traditional Approaches
1. Separative Methods: Navigating Conflict Through Division
The traditional methods, often referred to as conflict-circumventing approaches, encompass both separative and issue-related measures. Separative methods involve the physical separation of conflicting parties, often through actions like employee dismissal or transfer. On the surface, such methods appear straightforward, yet their efficacy in addressing underlying issues is limited. While separative methods might swiftly quell visible conflicts, they do not delve into the root causes, potentially allowing unresolved concerns to resurface in the future.
2. Issue-Related Measures: Addressing Conflict by Redefining Parameters
In contrast, issue-related measures delve deeper, involving in-depth situation analysis to establish standards and regulations that prevent the recurrence of similar conflicts. These methods prove particularly effective in scenarios where unclear guidelines contribute to disputes, making them well-suited for conflicts arising from misunderstandings or procedural ambiguities. However, their scope is predominantly situational, potentially missing conflicts rooted in personal grievances, as the primary focus remains on rectifying the structural and procedural aspects.
Complementary Approaches
1. Individual-Oriented Strategies: Illuminating Conflict at a Personal Level
Complementary approaches, constituting the second category, involve individual-oriented and integrative methods. Individual-oriented strategies encompass targeted discussions and coaching sessions aimed at individual participants. By directly engaging with participants, this approach nurtures understanding and empathy, leading to potential conflict resolution. This approach is particularly adept at addressing conflicts arising from personal differences and misunderstandings, enhancing interpersonal communication skills and fostering mutual understanding.
2. Integrative Measures: Fostering Cooperation Through Collaboration
Integrative measures involve both conflicting parties and foster cooperation through techniques like mediation, team development, and supervision. Unlike traditional methods, these approaches recognize the significance of addressing conflicts at their core, rather than circumventing them. Mediation, for example, facilitates structured dialogues between parties, enabling them to collaboratively identify solutions and reach agreements. Team development initiatives enhance communication, cooperation, and trust within teams, resulting in a more cohesive and productive environment.
Consideration of Factors
The choice of a suitable conflict management technique hinges on various factors such as organizational structure, leadership style, and adherence to institutional principles. For the U.S. Army, effective conflict management should seamlessly align with its foundational principles, overarching goals, and established guidelines. ADP 6-22, for instance, advocates for negotiation coupled with joint problem-solving and two-way communication (United States Government U.S. Army, 2019). The emphasis on conflict resolution grounded in equitable standards, unwavering commitment to agreements, and the acknowledgment of both individual and collective interests underscores the comprehensive approach the Army should adopt.
Application of Conflict Management in the U.S. Army
Given the U.S. Army’s guiding principles, leaders are encouraged to favor complementary approaches over traditional methods. This entails employing individual-oriented and integrative techniques such as personal discussions, mediation, coaching, and team development.
Personal Discussions and Mediation
Engaging directly with conflicting parties through personal discussions facilitates comprehension and aids in devising suitable courses of action. Additionally, mediation allows Army leaders to serve as facilitators, fostering cooperative problem-solving between involved parties and promoting informed decision-making.
Coaching and Team Development
Coaching emerges as a personalized strategy, extending assistance to participants in conflict resolution. This approach not only bolsters morale and cooperation but also enhances understanding among individuals. Lastly, team development stands as a potent tool, enhancing communication, cooperation, and trust within teams. This approach nurtures growth-oriented leadership while curbing the potential for repeated conflicts.
Complementary Approaches
1. Individual-Oriented Strategies: Complementary approaches, constituting the second category, involve individual-oriented and integrative methods. Individual-oriented strategies entail targeted discussions and coaching sessions aimed at individual participants. By engaging participants directly, this approach fosters understanding, empathy, and potential resolution. Individual-oriented methods are particularly effective for addressing personal conflicts and enhancing interpersonal communication skills among parties involved.
2. Integrative Measures: Integrative measures involve both conflicting parties and promote cooperation through techniques like mediation, team development, and supervision. Unlike the traditional methods, these approaches recognize the importance of addressing conflicts at their core, not merely circumventing them. Mediation facilitates structured dialogues between parties, allowing them to collaboratively find solutions and reach agreements. Team development initiatives enhance communication, cooperation, and trust within teams, resulting in a more cohesive and productive environment.
Consideration of Factors
The choice of a suitable conflict management technique hinges on various factors such as organizational structure, leadership style, and adherence to institutional principles. For the U.S. Army, effective conflict management should align seamlessly with its foundational principles, overarching goals, and established guidelines. ADP 6-22, for instance, advocates for negotiation coupled with joint problem-solving and two-way communication (United States Government U.S. Army, 2019). The emphasis on conflict resolution based on equitable standards, unwavering commitment to agreements, and the acknowledgment of both individual and collective interests underscores the comprehensive approach the Army should adopt.
Application of Conflict Management in the U.S. Army
Given the U.S. Army’s guiding principles, leaders are encouraged to favor complementary approaches over traditional methods. This entails employing individual-oriented and integrative techniques such as personal discussions, mediation, coaching, and team development.
Personal Discussions and Mediation
Engaging directly with conflicting parties through personal discussions facilitates comprehension and aids in devising suitable courses of action. Additionally, mediation allows Army leaders to serve as facilitators, fostering cooperative problem-solving between involved parties and promoting informed decision-making.
Coaching and Team Development
Coaching emerges as a personalized strategy, extending assistance to participants in conflict resolution. This approach not only bolsters morale and cooperation but also enhances understanding among individuals. Lastly, team development stands as a potent tool, enhancing communication, cooperation, and trust within teams. This approach nurtures growth-oriented leadership while curbing the potential for repeated conflicts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, comprehending the array of conflict management strategies is essential for effectively addressing conflicts within the U.S. Army. By acknowledging the nuances of traditional and complementary approaches, the Army can navigate conflicts with precision and foster a more harmonious and productive organizational atmosphere.
References
Proksch, M. (2019). Conflict Management in Organizations. Springer.
United States Government U.S. Army. (2019). Army Doctrine Publication ADP 6-22 Army Leadership and the Profession July 2019. Independently Published.