GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE CONFLICT

a) The Immediate Context:

The immediate context of the conflict often involves competition for limited resources such as money, space, land or jobs.

b) The Second Level of Conflict:

The second level from which to view conflict is in basic human needs of power, success, recognition, friendship, and respect. The parties may view the conflict as the result of a threat to one's basic needs, believing they are simply protecting these rights.

c) The Third Level of Conflict:

The final and most difficult level to mediate is a conflict of values and beliefs based on religion, culture, political beliefs or ideology. Asking why questions to determine the broader context allows one to get to the root of the conflict.