Conflict escalation according to Friedrich Glasl

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With the phase model of escalation , Friedrich Glasl presented a model in 1980 for analyzing conflicts . Appropriate responses may result from the analysis. In contrast to the model according to Kurt R. Spillmann and Kati Spillmann , who describe five identifiable escalation levels, the model has nine levels. These stages are divided into three main phases (levels), each with three levels.

Plane model

Glasl deliberately does not depict escalation as an ascending ladder, as Herman Kahn did in 1965, because “the path of escalation leads with a certain compelling force into regions that call up great, subhuman energies, but which in the long run evade human control and domination . “In the first main phase, both conflict parties can still win ( win-win ). In the second main phase one party loses while the other wins (win-lose) and in the third main phase both parties lose (lose-lose). The three main phases are separated from each other by so-called main thresholds. Respecting the first main threshold ensures a cooperative solution on the factual level, respecting the second main threshold means that one can still be guided by moral and ethical scruples.

The three main phases and nine stages of conflict escalation

You can use it to analyze a wide variety of conflicts: divorces ; Conflicts between colleagues or students, and also conflicts between states.

1st level (win-win: everything is still open)

Stage 1 - induration

Conflicts start with tension; B. Occasional clash of opinions. It is commonplace and is not perceived as the beginning of a conflict. If this does lead to a conflict, opinions become more fundamental. The conflict could have deeper causes.

Stage 2 - debate, polemics

From here on, the conflicting partners come up with strategies to convince the other of their arguments. Disagreements lead to an argument. You want to put the other under pressure. Black and white thinking emerges.

Level 3 - actions instead of words

The conflict partners increase the pressure on each other to assert themselves or their own opinion. Conversations are z. B. canceled. There is no longer any verbal communication and the conflict intensifies faster. Compassion for the "other" is lost.

2nd level (win-lose: from here winners and losers)

Stage 4 - coalitions, images

The conflict is exacerbated by the fact that people are looking for sympathizers for their cause. Since you believe you are right, you can denounce your opponent. It is no longer about the matter, but about winning the conflict so that the opponent loses.

Stage 5 - loss of face

The opponent should be destroyed in his identity by all possible insinuations or the like. Here the loss of confidence is complete. In this sense, loss of face means loss of moral credibility.

Level 6 - Threat Strategies

The parties to the conflict try to take absolute control of the situation with threats. It is supposed to illustrate one's own power . One threatens z. B. with a demand (10 million euros ), which is tightened by a sanction ("Otherwise I will blow up your main building!") And underpinned by the sanction potential (show explosives). Here, the proportions determine the credibility of the threat.

3rd level (lots-lots: from here on only losers)

Level 7 - Limited Destruction (Strikes)

Here the opponent should be seriously damaged with all tricks. The opponent is no longer perceived as a person. From here on, limited own damage is seen as profit if that of the opponent is greater.

Level 8 - fragmentation

The opponent's support system is supposed to be destroyed with annihilation actions.

Level 9 - Together into the abyss

From here on you factor in your own destruction in order to defeat the enemy.

De-escalation and conflict resolution strategies

The model describes how two conflicting parties behave. At first glance, solutions for de-escalation are not offered in this model. In particular if, in the event of a conflict, it seems impossible for both parties to leave the situation (e.g. aggressive act on the territory of a state, separation of a common child from the other parent, withdrawal of civil rights by a state, mass layoffs to improve shareholder value ), or one party chooses the conscious escalation of the conflict as a strategic moment.

However, Glasl assigns the following strategy models for de-escalation to the various escalation levels:

  • Level 1–3: Moderation
  • Levels 3–5: process support
  • Levels 4–6: socio-therapeutic process support
  • Levels 5–7: mediation / mediation
  • Levels 6–8: Arbitration / judicial proceedings
  • Levels 7–9: Power intervention

The ability to recognize and eliminate conflict-nourishing forces for the purpose of a conflict de- escalation in a world-view and value-free manner offers managers, advisors and social workers in particular great advantages.

See also

literature

  • Friedrich Glasl: Conflict Management. Diagnosis and treatment of conflicts in organizations. Haupt, Bern / Stuttgart 1980, ISBN 3-258-02971-7 .
  • Friedrich Glasl: Conflict Management. A manual for managers and consultants. 11th edition. Haupt, Bern / Stuttgart 2013, ISBN 978-3-772528-11-8 .
  • Alexander Redlich: Conflict moderation in groups. (with instructional film on DVD). 7th edition. Windmühle, Hamburg 2009, ISBN 978-3-937444-18-5 .

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Kurt R. Spillmann and Kati Spillmann: Feindbilder. Origin, function and possibilities of their dismantling . In: Zurich Contributions to Security Policy and Conflict Research No. 12, 1989, ISBN 3-905641-06-2 , p. 19 ff. Full text (pdf)
  2. ↑ Herman Kahn: On Escalation. Praeger, New York 1965
  3. ^ Friedrich Glasl: Conflict Management. Diagnosis and treatment of conflicts in organizations. Haupt, Bern / Stuttgart 1980, ISBN 3-258-02971-7 , p. 235
  4. ^ Friedrich Glasl: Conflict Management. Diagnosis and treatment of conflicts in organizations. Haupt, Bern / Stuttgart 1980, ISBN 3-258-02971-7 , p. 237
  5. ↑ http://www.friedenspaedagogik.de/themen/kriegsgeschehen_verhaben/krieg/konflikteskalation/die_neun_stufen_der_konflikteskalation_nach_glasl