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A mediator can also help the groups to redefine the problem by restating what is
being said in a less hostile way. He can also reframe what has been described in winlose
terms in a win-win way by looking for the underlying interests and needs and
ensuring that each side's needs are addressed. This can be done by asking the parties
leading questions; or asking direct questions and even suggesting ways of redefining
the problem.
The Segregation Stage
At this stage the parties have no direct communication at all with one another.
They only communicate through threats and mutual perception has really been
polarised to mistrust and disrespect. The situation is now win-lose, with each party
putting its own interests above those of the other party while. This is known as
"defensive competition" (Harris and Reilly (http://www.idea.int/publications!
democracy and deep rooted conflict/home.htm)
The Destruction Stage
At this stage the parties are now communicating through violence if not
complete silence. The violence is justified by being abusive towards the other party.
This stage is reached because all attempts to discuss and negotiate have failed, and it
leads to great if not total destruction if it goes unchecked. This is why at the beginning
of this subsection it was emphasised that it is important to know at which stage the
conflict is so that it is easy to take the right step before the conflict breaks out into
uncontrollable proportions.
As a conclusion it must be said that analysing conflict is not easy and it requires
time because all the elements and factors of a conflict situation should be taken into
account before a workable situation can be worked out.
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