Conflict management between companies and communities is a common situation that generally stems from power imbalances, differences in the management of socio-environmental impacts, or fundamental disagreements in the positions on the exploitation of natural resources.
The lack of listening and understanding often contributes to these misunderstandings, generating deep tensions in the interpretation of issues and business positions.
How to prevent conflicts from turning into crises?
Although the general tendency of companies is to prevent conflict, this does not mean avoiding it or taking positions that do not allow it to be recognized and managed adequately.
On the contrary, it is about establishing a conflict management strategy that recognizes the potential of the situation to generate new perspectives, creative solutions and alternatives that otherwise would not have been explored.
Identification and in-depth analysis
Potential conflicts must be anticipated and understood. It is not only a matter of recognizing the obvious problems, but also of delving into the underlying causes that could trigger tensions, exacerbate existing conflicts or generate new ones.
2. Dynamic dialogue and active participation
In the first instance, it involves fostering vibrant spaces for dialogue and participation between companies and communities. It also requires giving voice to concerns and opening the door to negotiations that lead to mutually beneficial solutions.
3. Respect for Human Rights
Human rights must be a central pillar of any conflict management strategy. From prior consultation to informed consent, ensure that communities are respected at all times.
Transforming challenges into success: Conflict management for Anglo American Ecuador
Through a dynamic coaching and training process, Insight Social developed a strategy and helped prepare the Anglo American Ecuador team to manage a conflict with local communities opposed to mining exploration.
What were our actions? The establishment of dialogue mechanisms focused on the concerns of the communities, the strengthening of the complaints and grievances system, the implementation of an environmental watchdog for the project and the implementation of preventive measures to prevent the conflict from escalating into violence. In addition, the preparation of the team from a change of approach in conflict management, to focus on listening, validation and legitimization of the perceptions of the communities, and an approach that would allow the company to operate in the midst of the conflict, respecting the rights of the communities, listening, and taking charge of the socio-environmental impacts.
Finally, the exploration project was carried out respecting the differences and opposition of the communities, culminating in a successful drilling campaign.
Effective conflict management requires a proactive approach, recognizing its positive potential!
At Insight Social we not only accompany you, but we also lead the transformation of conflicts between communities and companies. Our approach includes coaching, active dialogue and recognition of perspectives, generating effective solutions.
Trust us to turn challenges into opportunities!
