Select an alternative for each statement. There is no point in underestimating the situation. If in doubt, choose the higher value.
Select the alternative that best describes the situation you are facing. Consider the whole picture and not just your (limited) perspective.
1. There are many different perspectives on what the problem is and how to resolve or handle it You will notice that there are different perspectives when there is some discussion or debate on how this issue should be handled. There may even be criticism of how it is handled right now.
2. Decisions regarding this issue are made on different societal or organisational levels Societal levels might include citizens, organisations and the authorities. Organisational levels might involve employees, team leaders, managers and directors.
3. The issue is influenced by prior events The question is whether this issue has a history that influences it. There may have been previous incidents or events that people still refer to and that influence the way they think and act in relation to it.
4. The issue is unpredictable and dynamic An issue is predictable if you know "how it behaves" or have a clear idea how things will work out. You may face many such issues and deal with them routinely. It is unpredictable when characterised by sudden, often unexpected changes or when it is something that you have not encountered before. Choose the third option if there are unexpected events that often influence the issue and the way the actors respond.
5. This issue is connected to other issues or problems Other issues might have an influence on the one you are considering. The issue in focus might also affect other areas. If there is an interdependence choose the second option and if the interdependence is high, choose the third option.
6. The issue involves values(Required) The question is whether the issue includes matters that are important to the people involved. These might be deeply held values held by one or more of the individuals or groups concerned.
7. There are identity and cultura issues present(Required) The issue might impact on the way people feel that their identity is impacted. This might involve a sense that their culture is not valued or is threatened or it may be that they feel that they need to sacrifice a part of themselves and "be someone else".
8. There have been previous attempts to resolve or manage this issue(Required) Previous attempts to resolve the issue affect the attitudes of people involved. If such attempts have failed, it may affect their trust in the process or towards other parties.
9. The level of trust is low The question is whether parties trust each other.
10. Internal disagreements influence the problem(Required) The question here relates to disagreements or even conflicts within organisations or within groups of actors who have formed an alliance. They might present a united front outwardly, but there are tensions within these groupings.
11. Fake news and rumours circulate(Required) Rumourmongering is the act of spreading rumours or unverified information, typically with the intention of causing fear, distrust, or unrest among people. It involves disseminating hearsay or gossip without confirming its accuracy, often leading to the distortion of facts and the creation of misinformation. Fake news refers to deliberately fabricated or misleading information presented as legitimate news. It is designed to deceive readers or viewers by spreading false narratives or distorting facts for various purposes such as propaganda, political manipulation, or financial gain.
12. The media influences the issue(Required) Media in this context includes printed or web based newspapers, magazines and news sites as well as radio, and TV.
The following questions relate to the gravity of the conflict and mainly follow the logic of the Resistance Line
13. An individual or group feels excluded from a decision or a decision-making process Are there signs of any of the actors feeling excluded, ignored, not taken seriously or barred from decision-making processes related to this issue? Exclusion might express itself as the sense of being "railroaded" by powerful people or not being taken seriously. This concerns the subjective perception of being excluded rather than an "objective fact".
14. Certain stakeholders feel excluded from social activities or privileges Social activities and privileges might involve meetings, events, activities where some people feel unwelcome. Privileges might involve the freedom to speak at meetings, to use facilities or to behave in a certain way.
15. Jokes at the expense of individuals or groups occur Jokes may be a way of speaking truth to power. They may also be a way for a group to distinguish itself and create a sense of identity. The jokes are typically sarcastic or caustic, aimed at a particular group or individual.
16. Gossip occurs - on social media or directly Gossip refers here to conversations ABOUT other people or groups rather than direct communication WITH them. These conversations are often critical in nature. Gossip usually occurs outside of joint meetings or on social media.
17. Alliances have been formed amongst actors involved in the issue Alliances can be groups on Facebook or other social media platforms, organisations, networks or loosely organised groups. The main motivation for forming alliances is to find strength in numbers and support for one's point of view. There may be a sense of "us-and-them" or even stronger "us versus them". In its strongest form, the other side is regarded as "the enemy"
18. There are attempts to directly influence decision-makers or powerful people associated with the problem (lobbying activity). Lobbying typically happens within organisations when superiors or managers are bypassed. In the public sector, powerful decision-makers may be contacted directly by those wanting to influence the outcome in their favour. Lobbying is an action that seeks to exclude the other party and gain advantage for oneself.
19. Communication has changed from being open and direct to being more formal Have you noticed a shift from more informal to formal? For example, where parties previously called each other to speak directly, they now only write emails or send messages to each other; or direct communication is replaced with open letters to the press or press conferences.
20. Communication has become more indirect Do parties avoid direct communication with each other and rather communicate through a third party or via the press?
21. Communication has broken down This question focuses on the short or the long term cessation of communication between the parties. This need not involve all the parties, but at least some with a central role.
22. Insulting or hateful speech occurs Hateful or insulting speech refers to any communication that denigrates or vilifies a person or group based on its characteristics. These may be related to race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation or gender, but also to the other's position, occupation, ideology or specific interest. It often aims to spread hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against the targeted individuals or groups. This kind of speech often occurs on social media but can also be expressed verbally, in letters or emails or in news articles.
23. Open protest occurs Protests can take on different forms. They are open and visible. In organisations they may involve outbursts during meetings, organised protest meetings, open letters or visible demands being made. In the public sphere, they can be organised or spontaneous. Forms include demonstrations, civil disobedience, obstruction of roads or machines, occupation of buildings and protest action via the press or other media.
24. People have been threatened Threats can be made on social media or in a more direct way. Threats of violence include actions that intend to intimidate or scare. Threats of damage can involve damage to property, threats of an economic nature. Threats with legal action with the intent to intimidate can also be included.
25. Other forms of psychological violence Psychological violence is the exercise of power over others with the purpose of breaking them down psychologically. For example, actions that create fear, insult or isolation. These acts of violence can occur consciously or unconsciously.
26. Sabotage has occured Sabotage includes action to prevent activities or to damage property.
27. There have been instances of physical violence This involves violence involving physical harm to another person.
Have you responded to all the statenements? If you are happy with your responses and wish to see the results, click on the Yes response above.
Your responses indicate that the situation is on the following square of the conflict matrix
B
The situation appears not to be complex but there is a moderate level of conflict present.
Select square B
C
The situation appears not to be complex and there are signs that the conflict has escalated to a serious level.
Select square C on the matrix
C - High risk
The situation may not be very complex, but shows a high level of conflict escalation.
Select square C and read the section indicated under high risk.
D
The situation appears to be complex and the level of conflict is fairly low.
Select square D on the matrix
E
The situation appears to be complex and the level of conflict has escalated to a level where communication is compromised.
Select square E to read more.
F
The situation appears to be complex and the level of conflict has reached a serious level.
Select square F to read more.
There are indications that this conflict has reached serious levels.
Please read the section the section related to High Risk (after selecting F)
G
The situation appears to be highly complex and the level of conflict is moderate to low. Note: consider expert help to deal with complexity on such a high level.
Select G to read more
H
The situation appears to be highly complex and the conflict has reached a level where communication has been compromised.
Select H to read more
(We strongly advise engaging a professional with experience of similar situations)
Caution
The risks involved in a conflict at this level are high. A mediator with experience of similar situations is strongly recommended.
Please read the High Risk section in I on the matrix
I
The situation appears to be highly complex and the conflict has reached a serious level.
Select I to read more
(We strongly suggest engaging a professional with experience of similar situations)
