Abstract
The science of conflict resolution is a good candidate for a new science dedicated to resolving the age-old feud between mankind and nature, an unwarranted feud initiated and perseverated against nature without provocation or retaliation by its domestic partner. Although representative conflict resolution models exist such as ad litem, nature presents a unique problem when it comes to conflict resolution, because (unlike a human child) nature is not meant to “grow up” and become a career-focused, tax-paying citizen. Marriage counseling might work, but the genuine needs of nature cannot be reconciled with the imaginary rights of man, nor his demand to dominate and abuse his partner. A reverence-based biophilic model is needed, wherein true love matters more than the husband's prosperity.
TopOverview Of Conflict Resolution/Conflict Management In General
Misunderstandings, miscommunications, omissions, change, etc. may often lead to disputes among individuals, agencies, organizations, businesses, or nations for personal, emotional, financial and/or political reasons. Conflict resolution or conflict management is often defined as a means by which the parties find a peaceful and (hopefully) mutually satisfying or mutually beneficial solution to their disagreement. Therefore, the goals of an alternative dispute resolution process or ADR include (Nagy, 2018):
- 1.
Finding a solution to which all parties can agree as quickly as possible
- 2.
Improving, rather than harming the relationship among all the individuals or members of the groups in conflict
- 3.
Maximizing outcomes by gaining access to resources that would not be available outside of participating in the ADR process
- 4.
Gaining an understanding of the perspective of the opposing party, with particular regard to underlying motivations which may be fueling the conflict
- 5.
Maintaining and improving relationships among the parties to pave the way for smooth partnerships and/or alliances in the future
- 6.
Mitigating the use of resources, such as time, energy, finances, motivation, etc. which are quickly depleted during prolonged and/or escalating disagreements (Nagy, 2018)
The time to enter alternative dispute resolution is the point at which all parties are ready to come to the table which in the field of conflict resolution is called ripe (for resolution). If one or more of the disputing parties are unable or unwilling to participate in ADR, there is no point for the remaining parties to begin the process without a unanimous agreement. The seven steps that must be present for the successful navigation and resolution of a conflict are as follows (Nagy, 2018):