Understanding Conflicts

Understanding Conflicts: Glasl's Escalation Model
Conflicts are an inherent part of human existence. They arise when there is a clash between our desires, needs, beliefs, or interests and those of others around us.
The Roots of Conflict
Friedrich Glasl, a renowned conflict researcher, introduced a model that outlines the stages of conflict escalation. To fully grasp the nature of conflicts, we must also explore the individual psychological perspective on conflicts, as proposed by Alfred Adler.
Adler's Perspective
Alfred Adler, one of the pioneers of individual psychology, believed that conflicts arise from feelings of inferiority. When we experience situations where our expectations are not met, a sense of inadequacy can set in, leading to restlessness. Adler emphasized that this restlessness is a pivotal moment in the life of the soul, as it seeks balance, security, and fulfillment to find peace and joy. In other words, conflicts emerge when our pursuit of well-being is disrupted.
Freud's Psychic Apparatus
Let's draw a connection between Adler's perspective and Freud's psychic apparatus. According to Freud's theory, our psyche consists of three main elements: the Id (ES), the Ego (ICH), and the Superego (external stimulus). These elements are not always in harmony, and when they strongly differ, inner conflicts arise. The struggle between our instinctual desires, personal identity, and external societal influences can lead to inner turmoil and manifest in external conflicts.
Understanding Conflict Dynamics
Transactional Analysis
One popular approach to understanding conflicts is Transactional Analysis (TA). In TA, conflicts often revolve around three roles: the Rescuer, the Perpetrator, and the Victim. When someone takes on the Victim role but rejects being rescued, it can trigger a conflict. TA highlights how certain behavioral patterns and interactions contribute to the perpetuation of conflicts.
Multiple Spheres of Existence
Adler reminds us that we exist in multiple spheres, such as family (I-Thou), profession-vocation, community-common sense, and belief systems. In each of these areas, we assume different roles, and this automatically puts us in conflict with others who hold different roles. The clash of interests and perspectives in these various spheres can give rise to conflicts.
Glasl's Conflict Escalation Model
Now, let's delve into Friedrich Glasl's conflict escalation model, which comprises three levels and nine stages. The first three levels offer the possibility of resolving conflicts without significant damage, often leading to a win-win situation. As conflicts progress to the second level, one party may need to bear the consequences of losing (win-lose). However, it is still possible to find a resolution. In the third level, conflicts reach a destructive stage where both parties experience losses, potentially leading to mutual annihilation (lose-lose). At this point, the methods employed to achieve victory become increasingly primitive and inhuman.
Level 1: Win-Win
The first three levels offer the possibility of resolving conflicts without significant damage, often leading to a win-win situation.
Level 2: Win-Lose
As conflicts progress to the second level, one party may need to bear the consequences of losing (win-lose). However, it is still possible to find a resolution.
Level 3: Lose-Lose
In the third level, conflicts reach a destructive stage where both parties experience losses, potentially leading to mutual annihilation (lose-lose). At this point, the methods employed to achieve victory become increasingly primitive and inhuman.

Friedrich Glasl's model of conflict escalation consists of nine stages, often referred to as the "descending staircase," illustrates how conflicts can spiral out of control if left unaddressed. It highlights the importance of recognizing conflicts at an early stage to prevent escalation to the more destructive levels.
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