Analysing the relational dimensionThis is a featured page

The focus when analysing the relational dimension is on the actual relationships between individual people that interact – this is different from a relational pattern that is structural in nature. Many aspects of relationships are relevant for conflict transformation. Of particular interest are communication patterns, cooperation, actual decision-making and conflict handling mechanisms.

Communication patterns
Analysing the extent to which and how people communicate with each other, is an important indicator of how people, sides in the conflict, etc. relate to each other.
  • What is the level of contract between or among the “sides”? Is it regular, open, avoiding, restricted? What change can be identified due to the conflict?
  • How could the communication styles between people be described?
  • Do people have the capacity to express themselves accurately in conversation without fear, judgement or restriction?
  • Do people have the capacity to listen, that is, to hear accurately the concerns of others, without judgement?
Cooperation or confrontation
  • Where can you find cooperative/confrontative relationships, between whom? To what extent has this changed due to the conflict?
  • What is the level of cooperation – for instance on achieving vital common goals – among and between “opposing sides”?
  • What is the level of confrontation between opposing sides?
Decision-making
  • Who is taking decisions in day-to-day relationships? Who is not involved? Has this changed due to the conflict?
  • How are decisions taken? In a transparent and fair manner?
Conflict-handling mechanisms
  • What happens when conflict arises in people’s relationships? Has this changed due to the conflict?
  • Who are the key people who fulfil the peacemaker role in relationships? What qualifies them for that role?

Source: Adapted and extended from Lederach, J. P./Neufeldt, Reina/Culbertson, H., Reflective Peacebuilding. A Planning, Monitoring, and Learning Toolkit, Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and Catholic Relief Service, 2007, p. 21. <http://crs.org/publications/showpdf.cfm?pdf_id=80> (accessed 6 August 2009)



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