Identity-Based Conflicts

Identity BasedSource

Needs and Values – threats to or frustration over such identity needs as dignity, safety, control

CharacteristicsIntangible – Rooted in history, psychology, culture, belief systems, abstract and complex goals

Initial EngagementInteractive – dialogue about needs and values promoting voice and recognition

Resource BasedSource

Resources – competition over material and territorial interests

CharacteristicsTangible –Focused on finite goods and services

Initial EngagementTransactive – interest-based and mixed-motive bargaining

ARIA Framework for Identity Conflicts

AntagonismResonanceInventionAction

Antagonism

Adversarial FramingFocuses on the tangible “what” of the conflictIs defined in Us versus Them terms, the resources at stake, the opposing solutions soughtInvolves four key processes

Blaming the otherPolarizing our side against theirsAttributing negative characteristics to the otherProjecting unacceptable traits from one’s own side to the other

Often high conflict, heavily emotional

Resonance

Reflexive ReframingFocuses on the “why” and “who” of the conflict

“Why does who want what?”

Focuses on the identity needs of all sidesHeavily dependent on dialogue orientationsReflexivity in Action

From blaming and victimhood to respective responsibilityFrom Us v. Them to WeFrom Attribution to Analytic EmpathyFrom Projection to Self-awareness and ownership

Invention

InventingFocuses on the “how” of cooperatively resolving the conflict Differs from Interest-based bargaining in that it emphasizes positions to needs to interests instead of just positions to interestsCooperative Techniques

DifferentiationExpansionCompensation

Action

Agenda SettingAddresses the “why” and “who” of the conflict Addresses the “how” of cooperation through the tangible “what” of solutions.Consolidated into plans of actionFollows stages focusing on these questions:

What is to be done?Why is it to be done?Who is to do it?How is it to be done?