Education and Conflict Resolution

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In a?post?two years ago, I shared a webinar by Wharton Professor Richard Shell about conflict resolution at work. He pointed out that there were four common kinds of conflicts in work places: conflicts due to personalities, interests, beliefs, or values. In order to effectively manage or resolve conflicts, it is important to first diagnose the kind of conflicts one is dealing with.?

Earlier this week, I attended a webinar organized by the Wharton Shanghai Club featuring Mr Jeff Sheehan, former Associate Dean for International Relations at my Alma Mater, The?Wharton?School. It was a conversation with a wider range of topics about educations with Qun Zhao, Vice President of Wharton Shanghai Club.?

One of the topics Mr Sheehan brought up was the general lack of education on the topic of conflict resolution in the American compulsory education system before college. It is a very insightful observation and made me reflect not only my own experience but also the implication at many different levels.?

Conflict in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Through arguments and disagreements, you get to see your partner as a human being with their own wishes and needs. Creativity often comes from a conflict of ideas. At a different level, disagreement in how to solve public policy problems is a healthy and natural part of democracy. However, there can constructive conflict and destructive conflicts in any relationships.?

First of all, conflicts arise constantly in the workplace. The disagreement can be work related, but can also be personal, or emotional. In a diverse work force, the ability to resolve conflict in a timely and effective manner can prevent escalation and increase productivity. A successful resolution can also help opposing sides to better understand more about different perspective and motivations in order to ensure positive working environment and team culture.

At a societal level, our society has become hyper-vigilant with respect to race, gender, religion, or political affiliation. Political activities of both parties have become increasingly negative, focusing more on tearing down the opponents rather than building up support for on ideas. The impact isn’t limited to politics. Polarization is affecting workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods, stressing the fabric of our society. As an example, the House this week narrowly passing Republicans’ bill to raise the debt ceiling while cutting spending and unraveling major elements of President Biden’s domestic agenda. However, there is no sign that the President and Congress are ready to have serious negotiation to resolve this debt ceiling issue which could lead to catastrophic debt default.

At the global level, it seems the world is also increasingly edging towards more military built-up and more military conflicts, rather than diplomatic means to resolve issues. Beyond the devastation in Ukraine, the Ukraine war has cast a long shadow over global affairs. As for the relationship between the U.S. and China that will likely dominate the coming decades, we need to reject the notion that conflict is inevitable. The more we think it is inevitable, the more we will make it inevitable.?

For all the needs for conflict resolution, Mr. Sheehan rightly pointed out early education on conflict resolution could benefit the development of next generation who can make the world a more peaceful and better place. On the other hand, If we don’t learn to build bridges with each other and learn how to resolve conflicts, we may see more polarization of society, more government shutdowns, and even worse, more large scale military conflicts which will inevitably distract the global focus on poverty alleviation, economic development, and climate change. The worst case scenario seems to be far-fetched but not unthinkable.?

"An eye for eye will only make the whole world blind." Mahatma Gandhi said it well.?

Related Articles

How to Manage Tough Conflicts at Work?(10/9/2021)

Cross Discipline Communication?(11/14/2020)

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