CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION
GENERAL IDEA OF CONFLICT
Conflict is ingrained in human nature. Humans have a variety of viewpoints, ideologies, and interests, which can occasionally lead to conflicts, particularly when people are attempting to pursue interests that are incompatible. In a similar spirit, Thomas Hobbes, a renowned philosopher, once claimed that in the state of nature, man’s life is “solitary, ugly, Brutish and brief” inevitable, which simply means that life is based on the survival of the fittest.
Here, “conflict” will be analyzed in order to gain a thorough grasp of it. According to the Oxford Advanced Dictionary, conflict is defined as a difference of opinion or a condition of opposition between ideas, feelings, or desires. 1 The phrase can also be used to describe a psychological condition brought on by an often unintentional antagonism between two opposing, concurrent demands, drives, or impulses. A person who is driven to engage in two or more activities that are mutually exclusive is said to be in a conflict, according to Edward J. Murray. 3
Disputes can become awkwardly violent and the use of weapons if it is not properly controlled or promptly stopped. Scholars have been motivated to do research on the causes and manifestations of some conflicts in the society as a result of the detrimental effects that conflict has on society. The end effect of all these conflict theories is that they are subject to the opinions and viewpoints of those academics. 4 Conflict, according to Stephen Ademola, “is a fluid and infinitely elastic term that can be intellectuals find themselves in mutual dispute with their peers over concerns that have taken on various forms. 5
Conflict can be defined as a disagreement where one or more parties believe their needs, interests, or worries to be at danger. Conflict arises when people (or other parties) believe that their needs, interests, or worries are at danger as a result of a disagreement. There is a tendency to view conflict as a negative experience brought on by abnormally challenging circumstances, despite the fact that conflict is a normal part of human existence and offers numerous opportunities for growth through improved understanding and insight. Because participants in conflicts often react based on their perceptions of the situations rather than objectives, conflicts are common in the human environment analysis of it. Conflict reactions are rife with thoughts and emotions that can serve as very potent cues for potential resolutions. The phrase “it will pass” should not be used to dismiss a conflict since it involves more than just a simple disagreement and involves a situation in which people fear a threat to their safety. Human nature necessitates conflict, hence man’s attempt to escape the state of nature—war—by establishing sovereign authority was doomed to failure. As a result, conflict is inherent in human nature.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Conflict and management are the two fundamental words that make up the notion of conflict management, however because the term conflict has already been defined, the term management will be described specifically in relation to “conflict management” here.
The term “management” can refer to the control of a certain circumstance that is seen from the perspective of conflict management.
Imogibhe, however, defines management as “control and direction.” 6 Controlling a tense situation would lessen and help avert the onset of violent conflicts and crises. According to Rahim M. A., “conflict management entails the formulation of efficient macro level techniques to limit the dysfunctions of disputes and to enhance learning and the performance of an organization. 7
In order to manage conflicts, protocols must be put in place and techniques that aim to limit and contain it in order to stop a crisis from developing. The process of putting strategies into place to reduce the negative parts of conflict and boost their good features to a level equal to or greater than where the conflict is occurring can also be considered to be included in the idea. Conflict management, in the words of David J. Francis, “includes efforts and interventions to restrict, curb, or regulate a conflict.
The conflict management body must conduct a survey into the nature, origin, and manifestation of the dispute in order to carry out conflict management effectively. The body must comprehend the actual points of contention that contributed to the conflict. According per E.O. S. Iyamu and Conflict management is the long-term control of unresolvable conflict, according to Lilian I. Salami10. It is the diversity of grievance-handling strategies used by people who stand up for what they believe to be wrong.
In the majority of African states or nations, the government is responsible for managing conflicts. Nevertheless, due to inefficiency on the part of African governments, the civil society in those nations has stepped in to serve as an alternative conflict management organization.
ENDNOTES
Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, Sally Wehmeier (Oxford: Oxford University Pres, 2000 6th Edition, p. 39)
Microsoft Encarta 2008, the Encarta Dictionary
Conflict Psychological Aspect by Edward J. Murray in International Encyclopaedia of the Social Sciences, edited by David L. Sills (London: Macmillan publishers, 1968). P. 220.
Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies in West Africa, Shadrakc Gaya Best (Ed. ), (Ibadan Spectrum), p. 41, Faleti Stephen Ademola, “Theories of Social Conflict.”
Ibid; p. 36
Imobighe I. was quoted in Emmanuel A. Ali’s essay, “The Battle for Economic Opportunities and the Jos Crisis,” which was published in Olayemi Akinwumi Sati. U., Fwatsha, and O. O. Okpeh (Eds.Historical )’s perspective on Nigeria’s Post-Colonial Period.
Conflicts, Nigeria’s historical society (Makurdi: University of Markurdi Press, 2007). P. 240
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