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distinction can be made between interests and needs where the needs are also
underlying desires, but they are "more fundamental and less tangible than interests".
Defining conflicts in tenns of underlying interests makes it possible to resolve some
aspects of the conflict and can expose areas of common interest that can result in
cooperation and improved relationships."
For example, the Conservative Party in South Africa adopted the position of a
separate independent state to be called Orania where they could practice their culture
and use their language freely, and have the political, social and economic status they
had during the days of apartheid. Therefore their interest was in maintaining the
apartheid status quo. Sometimes some of the interests ofparties can be made possible
without giving in to the parties' position. The point to be made here is that focusing on
interests rather than on positions can lead to the solution ofsome problems.
There are opponents who feel that this approach cannot solve conflicts because
most of them are distinctive in nature. When people want a share of a resource and
some want a bigger share than the others, then ifa win-win situation is the aim then this
approach can never work. In fact it may be counter-productive to expose one's interests
because negotiators whose positions exceed their real needs may be the winners.
Interest-based framing also does not work when the issues at stake are nonnegotiable
i.e. when they have to do with "fundamental values or human needs."
(http://www.colorado.edulconflictlpeace!treatment/intframe.htm p.!)
In fact, it may
worsen the situation. It can only be applied in interest-based disputes
"Into-The-Sea" Framing And Intolerance / Win-Lose
In a conflict situation two groups will either work towards coming together and
finding a common solution, or let the conflict escalate. In a work situation one group
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