Merging Ethiopian Wise-Counsel Mediation and Facilitative ...

III.1.3Glasl's Definition of ConflictAlthough it is very difficult to have a universal definition of which situation qualifies as a conflict and which doesn’t, the academicworld has identified a need to define conflict. Over time a variety of definitions have thus appeared. For the purpose of this manualand following our understanding of conflict and mediation, we chose a very broad definition of conflict—that of Friedrich Glaslfrom his book, Konfliktmanagement (Conflict Management). 16 According to Glasl, there is conflict when:> > At least one party sees differences or there are incompatibilities of interests/needs/feelings/aspirations between the parties.> > These differences/incompatibilities cause a sensation of interference (be it subjective or objective).> > These interferences have an impact on the party's feelings, thinking and perception.Glasl’s definition is an early-warning definition and it is based on subjective perceptions. It can help to identify a conflict at anearly stage in order to act upon it (if considered necessary); in a mediation context it may enable the parties to backtrack their “fullygrown”conflict to its origin in order to change their perspective.However, as there is no universal definition 17 of conflict, you may also introduce your own understanding of it. In conclusion, wecan see that conflict is strongly interwoven with the perceptions and feelings of individuals. To open a door for mutual understandingand win-win solutions, these perceptions and feelings need to be made known to others, and for doing so communication plays avital role in the mediation process.16 Glasl, F. (1997).17 See as an example of the variety of definitions: http://www.campus-adr.org/cmher/ReportResources/Definitions.html.Mediation Training Toolbox21