Conflict Resolution Through Knowledge: The Library Perspective

Abstract

In every human interaction either at the level of individuals, organizations, national, regional or international, there are usually competitive interests and varying perspectives to every issue at stake. It is dogged pursuance of antagonistic, incompatible and antithetical goals that inevitably result in conflict. The phenomenon is multi-faceted and widespread in society, having destructive tendencies if consensus is not achieved. Obachi (2008) contended that forging diverse relationships and attempts at continuously perfecting same have the propensity to always precipitate conflict. Conflict resolution is the process of defusing antagonism and reaching agreement bet ween conflicting parties especially through some form of negotiation. It can also be conceptualized as a study and practice of solving interpersonal, intergroup and inter-national, conflicts. lfidon and Ahiazu (2005) noted that the potential for conflict is an everyday occurrence which exists virtually everywhere. According to them. interpersonal conflict is caused by personality clashes and failure to communicate effectively as well as distrust between parties with differing perspectives.