Conflict management: A panacea to development

Abstract

Conflict or disagreement is as old as man and as such its management or resolution is a panacea to the development of a people. Secondly, conflict or war is an aspect of inter-group relationship. The implication of the above is that conflict is inevitable as long as ideas, options, custom and traditions differ from one group to another. This article explores the various aspects of conflict and the need to manage them. It also explores ways of managing or resolving conflict and emphasize on the need to manage and not to avoid conflict, stressing that development depend on the ability to manage conflict. The article concludes that to attempt to avoid conflict is like having a noble dream. It reiterates that over zealousness in managing conflict may end in fueling it.

Key Words: Conflict, management, mediation, dialogue, Arbitration, communication