April 28: Multiparty Conflicts

Bunker. Deutsch et al: The Handbook of Conflict Resolution. Ch 33 "Managing conflict through large group methods"

This chapter gives an overview of a specific style of conflict management - large group methods. These different methods give practitioners a way of dealing with group conflict through working with the "whole system". They are used to create changes within businesses or communities - a new strategic direction, redesigning work for increased productivity, or resolving a system-wide problem. Three types of methods are: 1. Methods for Creating the Future; 2. Methods of Work Design; and 3. Methods for Discussion and Decision Making. In future-oriented methods, the event is planned by a group from the system (business, community, etc) with guidance from an expert in the method. This method focuses on developing common ground so that groups can work toward setting goals for the future. Not much attention is placed on conflict resolution, though it is important to recognize conflict and take it seriously. In Methods of Work Design, those who have a stake in how work is done are involved. The author writes that, "The underlying principle here again is that there is a great deal of wisdom and experience in the people who do the work and deliver the service." This shows why large group methods can be useful in work design. One method of work design that is unique is "Participate Design". This method works from the bottom of the organization up. Management puts boundaries around what kind of changes would be acceptable and employees are in charge of the actual process. Methods for Discussion and Decision Making help diagnose and find solutions to problems. There are several types of methods in this category. One is called "Open Space Technology". In this method, people who come to the meeting create their own agenda. People can come forward with topics and discuss them at the place and time of their choice. Others can choose which discussions they would like to attend and summaries are posted on a "Community Bulletin Board".
I really liked this chapter because it gave a lot of new information. I like the idea of using large group methods for certain types of conflicts involving communities and businesses. In class we've talked about people being more satisfied with a resolution if they feel the process is fair. I think using large group methods correctly could be extremely beneficial in many instances. I like the case study that the author gives because it shows the usefulness of the methods but it also shows that the process may need time to truly be effective and that not everyone will support it or any type of resolution. I really like the "Open Space Technology" method because it is very organized but is really in the hands of the participants. I like that in the case study, the facilitator was simply a teacher for the participants. Once they learned the method and how to use it effectively, they could go through the process on their own. This method allows members of a hierarchical system to gather and discuss issues on equal grounds without the need for outside help (eventually). It is a way of creating a self-sustaining system. This reminds me of the last chapter that I read that dealt with peace-building in post-conflict society. In that chapter, the authors focused on the need to create a nation that could depend upon itself. In this method, the facilitators help a system develop a way for self-dependence.