Data conflicts are caused by:

lack of information

misinformation

different views on what is relevant

different interpretations of data

different assessment procedures

Possible Data Interventions

reach agreement on what data is important

agree on process to collect data

develop common criteria to assess data

use third-party experts to gain outside opinion or break deadlocks

Interest conflicts are caused by:

Perceived or actual competitive:

substance (content) interests

procedural interests

psychological interests

Possible Interest-Based Interventions

focus on interests, not positions

look for objective criteria

develop integrative solutions that address needs of all parties

search for ways to expand options or resources

develop trade-offs to satisfy interests of different strengths

Structural conflicts are caused by:

destructive patterns of behavior or interaction

unequal control, ownership, or distribution of resources

unequal power and authority

geographic, physical, or environmental factors that hinder cooperation

time constraints

Possible Structural Interventions

clearly define and change roles

replace destructive behavior patterns

reallocate ownership or control of resources

establish a fair and mutually acceptable decision-making process

change negotiation process from positional to interest based bargaining

modify means of influence used by parties (less coercion, more persuasion)

change physical and environmental relationships of parties (closeness and distance)

modify external pressures on parties

change time constraints (more or less time)

 Value conflicts are caused by:

different criteria for evaluating ideas or behavior

exclusive intrinsically valuable goals

different ways of life, ideology, and religion

Possible value-related Interventions

avoid defining problem in terms of value

allow parties to agree and to disagree

create spheres of influence in which one set of values dominates

search for super ordinate goal that all parties share

Relationship conflicts are caused by:

strong emotions

misperceptions or stereotypes

poor communication or miscommunication

repetitive negative behavior

Possible Relationship Interventions

control expression of emotions through procedure, ground rules, caucuses, and so forth

promote expression of emotions by legitimizing feeling and providing a process

clarify perceptions and build positive perceptions

improve quality and quantity of communication

block negative repetitive behavior by changing structure

encourage positive problem-solving attitudes