Re-imagining conflict: navigating fields of tension as 'working in the space between'
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: School of Arts
Abstract
This fellowship will allow me to share new and significant insights from theory and practice around how we understand and work with conflict, and how this is relevant to making collaborative work programmes more sustainable and robust. It stresses the importance of early intervention in such situations, and provides a tool (in the visualization method) that allows a realtime visual representation of a group's dynamic. Such an image immediately conveys to a collaborative team what is moving smoothly in the group and where there are bumps in their interactions. It offers an ideal starting point for intervention, providing an undeniable record of group flow in a format that is objective and easily understood.
Collaborative working is on the rise in all aspects of our lives, from multidisciplinary teams to local service delivery, in business partnerships and in tackling the world's most complex problems. This paradigm shift requires new skills in relation to working in diverse teams and across very different organizational cultures but little time is given to understanding the group dynamics and interpersonal relationships that underpin successful collaborations. From years of working in cross-cultural and multi-sector collaborations myself, I know that it is not an easy task. Providing seamless, quality services becomes increasingly difficult as individuals and companies come together with their varied interests and ways of working. Differences in working cultures can be extreme - the passion of a voluntary organisation community worker versus the meticulous detail required by finance offices, for example - as can the expectations of partner organisations and individuals delivering the work. In addition, change and uncertainty are a constant feature of collaborative working, requiring organisations and individuals to manage the internal dynamics of a collaborative structure (who holds the budget, makes decisions, chairs the meetings) as well as broader societal and political shifts (financial recession, political ideologies, global pandemics).
When points of tension are not anticipated or addressed, the chance for negative conflict becomes much greater and low-level dissatisfactions can quickly lead to withdrawal, non-compliance and a considerable waste of resources - money, time, personnel and collaborative sustainability. By focussing on the 'hot spots' in group interactions and making them more visible by visualizing the group dynamic (see example below), it becomes easier to acknowledge and work with points of conflict that will inevitably arise in a creative and sustainable manner, and to avoid that wastage. This important research reframes conflict as normal, and not necessarily destructive. What is important is not conflict itself but how it is approached and dealt with.
Example of visualization from the PhD research, showing a central group engagement line intercut by laughter - NB wont allow me to include image here.
'The full originality of the approach lies in how 'the space between' individuals and organisations is seen as an emergent space. This adds new ways of measuring nonverbal data, of visualising communication and of observing and visualising energy types and laughter points. The approach is genuinely new to me, at least as applied to conflict research. While it is correctly seen as a pilot study and cautious in its claims because it is so innovative, it nevertheless has exciting potential for further trial, testing and development. The promise at least is that we may well be better equipped to understand group dynamics in collaborative conflict research, providing indicators of how a group can re-orientate itself to improve energy and creativity in the demanding and 'messy' environments that characterise collaborations - and conflicts - at all levels.'
Tom Woodhouse, Professor Emeritus, Peace and Conflict Studies, and PhD Examiner
Collaborative working is on the rise in all aspects of our lives, from multidisciplinary teams to local service delivery, in business partnerships and in tackling the world's most complex problems. This paradigm shift requires new skills in relation to working in diverse teams and across very different organizational cultures but little time is given to understanding the group dynamics and interpersonal relationships that underpin successful collaborations. From years of working in cross-cultural and multi-sector collaborations myself, I know that it is not an easy task. Providing seamless, quality services becomes increasingly difficult as individuals and companies come together with their varied interests and ways of working. Differences in working cultures can be extreme - the passion of a voluntary organisation community worker versus the meticulous detail required by finance offices, for example - as can the expectations of partner organisations and individuals delivering the work. In addition, change and uncertainty are a constant feature of collaborative working, requiring organisations and individuals to manage the internal dynamics of a collaborative structure (who holds the budget, makes decisions, chairs the meetings) as well as broader societal and political shifts (financial recession, political ideologies, global pandemics).
When points of tension are not anticipated or addressed, the chance for negative conflict becomes much greater and low-level dissatisfactions can quickly lead to withdrawal, non-compliance and a considerable waste of resources - money, time, personnel and collaborative sustainability. By focussing on the 'hot spots' in group interactions and making them more visible by visualizing the group dynamic (see example below), it becomes easier to acknowledge and work with points of conflict that will inevitably arise in a creative and sustainable manner, and to avoid that wastage. This important research reframes conflict as normal, and not necessarily destructive. What is important is not conflict itself but how it is approached and dealt with.
Example of visualization from the PhD research, showing a central group engagement line intercut by laughter - NB wont allow me to include image here.
'The full originality of the approach lies in how 'the space between' individuals and organisations is seen as an emergent space. This adds new ways of measuring nonverbal data, of visualising communication and of observing and visualising energy types and laughter points. The approach is genuinely new to me, at least as applied to conflict research. While it is correctly seen as a pilot study and cautious in its claims because it is so innovative, it nevertheless has exciting potential for further trial, testing and development. The promise at least is that we may well be better equipped to understand group dynamics in collaborative conflict research, providing indicators of how a group can re-orientate itself to improve energy and creativity in the demanding and 'messy' environments that characterise collaborations - and conflicts - at all levels.'
Tom Woodhouse, Professor Emeritus, Peace and Conflict Studies, and PhD Examiner
Organisations
- University of Bristol (Fellow, Lead Research Organisation)
- Complutense University of Madrid (Collaboration)
- DURHAM UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- 1UpDesign (Collaboration)
- ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Conntix (Collaboration)
- University of Minnesota (Collaboration)
- Institute for Conflict Research (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF KENT (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD (Collaboration)
- University of Bristol (Collaboration)
Title | Re-imagining conflict: meeting in the space between |
Description | 40 influential ideas and topics, models, images, film, quotes, definitions, case studies that allow individuals to reflect on their relationship to conflict and ability to stay open and fluid in the face of difference. Innovative reflexive webspace built to take participants on a thought journey, while also capturing their reflections in their own words. |
Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | Contributions to ongoing book on the same topic; creation of a network of interested people to work together on the book; request by University of Madrid to develop the tool for evaluation purposes for their students; anecdotal evidence of reflection, thought, new ideas from individuals taking part. |
URL | https://interfaceofdifference.com/ |
Description | They have informed a research report into climate change impacts in Bristol, influencing research design and analysis. They have been included in a Covid-response publication from University of Bristol. They have influenced teaching, consultancy and conflict management processes in numerous |
First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Environment,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Bold leadership, radical action What Bristol residents want on climate change |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Reported impact on local officers' approach; survey of 1500 bristol residents to collect views and then feedback. |
Description | Policy Support Fund |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2001881 |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2023 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | Ateneo de Davao University |
Country | Philippines |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | Conntix |
Country | Israel |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | Durham University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | Institute For Conflict Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | University of Bradford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Department | Jean Golding Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | University of Kent |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Developing peace technology |
Organisation | University of Minnesota |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Initiated by me - building on PhD / postdoc ideas, with workshop at the 2021 Conflict Research Society (CRS) conference leading to an ongoing group with a focus on the development of 'peace tech' approaches and applications. There is interest at the JGI (data science institute at the University of Bristol where I am senior research associate during my ESRC postdoc) in getting behind this - they have great links in the data science / data visualisation worlds, and possibly some money. The ongoing conversation could have at least two possible directions (perhaps both rather than either / or): - building connections with tech people around developing data visualisation approaches for peace / conflict related studies and research. As Lois pointed out there are three levels to this: data presentation in an attractive, interactive way to help people understand; as a tool for further data understanding and mining, as in Hen's study; and as a tool for interventions. - building on the idea of 'tech actors' / discussions with UK web-builders around creating collaborative web environments / how to generate more positive, constructive environments in AI / VR / social media / IT worlds. |
Collaborator Contribution | Links from CRS to peace and conflict theorists and practitioners JGI to data scientists other partners to interested individuals and organisations - conflict theorists and practitioners Conntix / Community Resolve - practitioner links and experience |
Impact | Multidisciplinary - academic disciplines: peace and conflict studies; data science; practioners - international, regional, national, in person and online |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Mediation innovation project, Madrid |
Organisation | Complutense University of Madrid |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Contributing to the development of an international proposal for the creation of a compulsory subject on mediation and collaborative conflict resolution for the degree in Social Work and other related degrees. As part of a group of experts who, through a laboratory or think tank, will help via: 1. A questionnaire on mediation teaching in the university 2. An international meeting in Madrid March 17th, 2022 (remote attendance) |
Collaborator Contribution | Development of the network, additional research via survey, organisation of the international meeting in Madrid 2022. |
Impact | Multi / trans disciplinary, covering Law, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Conflict studies, Mediation studies as well as practitioner and training experience. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Working on energy visualisation app |
Organisation | 1UpDesign |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | IP property, project management and direction from me; web / internet / IT / AI expertise from them |
Collaborator Contribution | Ongoing project planning, app design, presentation and pitch, taking product to 'proof of concept' stage |
Impact | Multi-disciplinary collaboration including: social scientists; data scientists; graphic designers Current outcomes: scoping the project; identifying timescales and milestones; ethical approval for new research; identifying potential participants |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Working on energy visualisation app |
Organisation | 1UpDesign |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | IP property, project management and direction from me; web / internet / IT / AI expertise from them |
Collaborator Contribution | Ongoing project planning, app design, presentation and pitch, taking product to 'proof of concept' stage |
Impact | Multi-disciplinary collaboration including: social scientists; data scientists; graphic designers Current outcomes: scoping the project; identifying timescales and milestones; ethical approval for new research; identifying potential participants |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Data visualisaiton, emergence, conflict |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Panel workshop as part of the Conflict Research Society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Data visualisation as an analysis tool in mixed methods research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | A presentation of data visualisations from the PhD, with additional exploration of the role of aesthetics in designing and creating data visualizations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://dataviz.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/ |
Description | Exploring Conflict online course |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Conflict is inevitable: within ourselves, at work, at home and in the wider society around us. Avoiding it is not an option and will not get us where we need to be in our personal or professional lives. This unique and exciting online exploration of the many faces of conflict prepares individuals to work through difficult situations and relationships with confidence and creativity. A rich combination of models, diverse perspectives and group discussions linked to personal experience deepes understanding of the potential in conflict. The workshop provides tools for building resilient and sustainable relationships, collaborations and structures in a range of contexts. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://henwilkinson.info/exploring-conflict/ |
Description | Free data workshops |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Coordinator of free 'peacetech' workshops exploring the intersection of peacebuilding and technology as part of JGI's Data Week 2022 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://peacetechgroup.github.io/events/2022-07-16-peacetech-in-action/ |
Description | Generative facilitation techniques |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A six-week online course training young activists wanting to work on EDI issues on how to create and hold generative and generous facilitated discussion spaces. Outcomes included: positive feedback; new courses being developed and run by participants, including 'Exploring Whiteness'; a new company formed to work as organisational consultants; a waiting list for future similar events |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
Description | Mapping energy shifts |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | conference workshop with interdisciplinary audiences aroun d |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://stuijfzand-data.com/space-between-visualisations |
Description | Panel presentation, Conflict Research Society conference, Belfast, September 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Panel presentation of four papers plus discussion to explore the emerging field of peacebuilding through four examples of the combination of technology and peacebuilding |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://peacetechgroup.github.io/events/2022-09-harnessing-technology/ |
Description | Tech for Social Cohesion, Conference, San Francisco Feb 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Focused conference aimed at building tighter international networks around the emerging field of peacetech. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://techandsocialcohesion.org/conference/ |