RECREATION CONFLICTGOAL INTERFERENCE

Group 2

CONTENT

Conflict in Outdoor Recreation

A Theoretical Model

Empirical Studies of Conflict

An Expanded Conflict Model

Managing Conflict

CONFLICT IN OUTDOOR RECREATIONPatricia Ross

CONFLICT Early descriptive studies of outdoor recreation

often found substantial conflict among participants in alternative recreation activities. Development of “Compatibility Indexes” (how well

different groups desire encountering other type of groups.

Most like encountering their own types. Conflict in recreation appears to be expanding

as technology contributes to development of new recreation equipment and activities.

Contemporary lifestyles are becoming increasingly diverse leads to more conflict in recreation.

Examples of new equipment- include mountain bikes, helicopters for access to backcountry skiing and use of llamas of backcountry hiking.

Examples of common recreation conflict found- Canoeist vs. motorboaters Hikers vs. bikers and horse riders Hunters vs. Non-hunters

Studies have led to “one way nature of conflict” concept- participants in one activity may object to the presence or behavior of participants in another activity.

Working definition of Conflict- “Goal interference attributed to others”

THEORETICAL MODELAbil Castaneda

THEORETICAL MODEL

Before, only a descriptive approach that focuses on the “symptoms” of conflict” was used. Symptoms were thought to be differences

between visitors. The Theoretical Approach offers a way to

understand why conflict exists and how they could be resolved or managed.

The original Theoretical Approach studied the origins of conflict. Used the Expectancy Theory (people participate

in recreation because they expect to achieve certain goals from it)

CONT…

And the Discrepancy Theory (dissatisfaction occurs when achieved goals fall short of expected goals) Therefore, conflict is a source of dissatisfaction.

JACOB AND SCHREYERS’S THEORETICAL MODEL

Suggested that conflict is caused by four major factors:

Activity style- refers to the various personal meanings assigned to a recreation activity. Includes- intensity of participation, type of

equipment and expertise needed (Status), Range of Experience, and definition of quality

Resource Specificity- is the significance attached to using a specific recreation resource for a given recreation experience. Includes- evaluation of resource quality, sense of

possession, intimate knowledge of a recreation area.

CONT…

Mode of Experience- refers to varying expectations of how the natural environment will be perceived. Includes- extent to which the recreation

participant is focused or not focused on the environment.

Lifestyle Tolerance- refers to the tendency to accept or reject lifestyles different from one’s own. Include- level of technology, resource

consumption and prejudice.

THEORETICAL MODEL CONT…

These four factors then give rise to a set of propositions.

These propositions suggests the conditions under which recreation conflict may occur.

Factor+Proposition show that conflict is not necessarily an OBJECTIVE state, but can be SUBJECTIVE based on experience, beliefs and attitudes. Nor is direct contact necessary.

EXAMPLE OF PROPOSITIONS OF CONFLICT

1. The more intense the activity style, the greater the likelihood of a social interaction with less intense participate will result in conflict

2. Conflict occurs between participants who do not share the same status hierarchies.

3. Conflict occurs for high status users when they must interact with the lower status user who symbolize a devaluation.

4. When a person is focused and interacts with an unfocused person conflict occurs.

EMPIRICAL STUDIES OF CONFLICTMiriam Cal and Wilfredo Lienez

EMPIRICAL STUDIES Many studies have documented the existence of

conflict in outdoor recreation and some went farther to explore the underlying reason for conflict.

Several have examined the role of motives in explaining recreation conflict.

MOTIVATION AND CONFLICT Evidence of the role of MOTIVATION in recreation

conflict was found in a study of fishers and water skiers on lake Shelbyville, IL. Anglers were divided into 2 groups: Experienced

conflict (defined as reporting having observed reckless boating) and having not experienced conflict.

Differences in their motives were found, such as: escape, enjoying the smells and sounds of nature, using and discussing equipment, feeling their independence, doing things with family, and chancing dangerous situations.

CONT……. A study between different groups of campers

theorized the differences in recreation motivations on the part of “traditional” verses “modern” campers as causing conflict.

Found that “perceived conflict” are best understood not only as an outcome of the choice of activity, but instead it derives from the orientation of recreational preferences (motivation and participation)

CONT….. This study was supported by empirical studies of

canoeists, fishers, skiers and snowmobilers. They also suggested that motives are important in

explaining and understanding recreation conflict. Not statistically strong due to the indirect

measure of conflict.

GOALS AND CONFLICT Three other studies suggested the importance of

goals in explaining and understanding recreation conflict. Conflicts reported were: Not fully attained goals associated with the visit

attributed to other types of visitors Related to differences in goal between participants in

the activities Recreation goals that were more dependent on the

behavior of others were more likely to experience conflict.

SOCIAL VALUES AND CONFLICT

Broad social values are a third issue addressed in several conflict studies. Include: Beliefs, attitudes, and more global worldviews

A study between snowmobilers and cross-country skiers found difference with regard to attitudes toward environmental issues and management of outdoor recreation areas.

(2) studies between hikers and pack stock users have suggested the importance of “symbolic values” or broad philosophical considerations including beliefs about the meaning and importance of wilderness and the “appropriateness” of selected recreation activities.

CONT…. The role of social values in recreation conflict was

addressed by two other studies: Hikers objected to the use of the Rattlesnake National

Recreation Area, MT, but could not specify objectionable behavior of bikers, indicating that biking was considered inappropriate on the basis of broad philosophical grounds.

Conflict was also found between hunters and non-hunters at Mount Evan, CO, despite the fact that there was physical separation by zoning and vegetative screening. Since there was no physical interaction between

participants suggests that conflict may be associated with contrasting attitudes and worldviews.

OTHER ISSUES INFLUENCING CONFLICT

Perceived similarity between groups or perception of alikeness.

For example- A Minnesota study shows that motorboat users consider themselves like canoeist, but canoeists perceive themselves different that motor boat users.

This is consistent with the “one-way nature of conflict” Similar results were seen between hikers and mountain

bike riders. Type and level of technology used in the activity Level of experience and commitment needed for

the activity “Place Attachment”- the degree to which visitors

report symbolic attachment to recreation

CONT…. Florida study of canoeist and motorboaters found that

tolerance of respondents for sharing resources with members of other activity groups and the degree to which expectations for encountering other type of activity groups were influential in creating conflict.

Safety Concerns and Visitor Norms also influence the conflict.

Outgroup Bias (unfavorable evaluation of groups that one does not belong to) and years of participation have also been seen to influence conflict in outdoor recreation.

EXPANDED CONFLICT MODELHui-Pei Lin

EXPANDED CONFLICT MODEL

The theoretical and empirical work can be synthesized to outline an expanded conceptual model of recreation conflict.

Empirical studies have supported the inclusion of the four factors or categories of variables originally thought to influence recreation conflict .

However these studies of conflict have also suggested several additional components to a more comprehensive conflict model

EXPANDED CONFLICT MODEL CON’T

It suggests that these variables determine sensitivity to conflict rather than conflict as it is experienced and attributed directly to others.

These variables have been suggested as creating a “catalyzing situation” for conflict (Blahna et al. 1995).

Sensitivity to Conflict- is often measured generally and indirectly by asking respondents the extent to which they like or dislike meeting participants in other recreation activities.

EXPANDED CONFLICT MODEL CON’T

Conflict- is measured more specifically and directly by asking: if and how participants in other recreation activities interfered wither their goals or enjoyment.

Empirical evidence suggests that sensitivity to conflict and conflict are related but separate concepts.

CONT……

Research suggests that conflict is NOT limited to that which occurs between recreation activities or groups.

Inter-activity conflict- occur within recreation groups

Intra-activity conflict- occurs between recreation activities or groups

Conflicts occurs between visitors and managers

Conflicts occurs between recreationists and other types of resource uses

COPING BEHAVIORS

There is also a response element to this model.

Recreationists may use coping behavior which allow them to adapt to conflict stimuli. Little is known about these behaviors with

respect to conflict Recreationist who are unable to cope,

experience diminished satisfaction or a lower-quality experience.

CONT…. Conflict can result from both direct and

indirect contact between recreation participants.

Direct contact – overt behavior of others that is seen to interfere with one’s goals.

Indirect contact – the simple presence of undesirable outgroups or artifacts of such groups, including associated environmental impacts.

JACOB AND SCHREYEREXPANDED CONFLICT MODEL

MANAGING CONFLICTHeng-Ju Lin

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Conflict management should be based on understanding conflict as more than just incompatibility among recreation activities.

However, conflict among groups is often the manifestation of underlying causes. Therefore, management actions should address

these underlying causes.

MANAGEMENT APPROACHES

Research suggests several insights on managing recreation conflict.

1.Zoning or Separation of conflicting recreation activities. This is most common management approach. Can be effective where goal interference is

related to direct or personal contact. Example- Opportunity Spectrum Framework

2. Educational Programs- May also be effective, especially when the

conflict is related to indirect causes such as alternative social values

Can be used to either- Establish a code of conduct or standard of behavior

to handle direct and indirect conflict Increase tolerance in groups to address differences in

social values . Research shows that visitors are willing to participate

in such programs.

3. Active management- The “one-way nature of conflict” suggests that

management is needed to maintain the quality of recreation and satisfaction for visitors who are sensitive to conflicting uses.

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