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CONSTRUCTIVE CONFRONTATION
Constructive confrontation is strategy developed by Guy Burgess and Heidi
Burgess http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/transformlburgess.htm.Itis used in dealing
with intractable conflicts and it assumes that although conflict cannot be avoided in all
societies, its destructive nature can be transformed into a constructive one through
using constructive confrontation. This means although the conflict may not be resolved,
the relationship between the parties can be strengthened by using constructive strategies
at the beginning ofthe conflict, not only when the conflict becomes untenable.
Constructive confrontation has four elements. As previously mentioned not all
conflicts can be resolved. However, the disputants can be provided with the skills to
confront the conflict for the benefit of all by understanding their own interests, values,
and needs as well as those ofthe other side.
Secondly, constructive confrontation means identifying the core conflict, which
IS the conflicting interests, values, and needs; and the "conflict overlays" or
"complicating facts" (http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/constcon.htm).
which obscure the core problem and make the solution difficult. These include
"framing problems, misunderstandings, procedural problems, technical/factual
problems, and escalation." These must be limited in order to concentrate on the key
Issues.
The third element IS called the "incremental approach"
(http://www.colorado.edufconflict/peace/incremental approach.htmp. I), which accepts
that most conflicts cannot be resolved by a win-win approach because of their
complexity. Rather the parties involved can achieve success by gradually understanding
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