Motivation and conflict resolution
Marko Irsic

Introduction

In this paper we are approaching the issue of conflict resolution from motivational point of view, especially regarding Future time perspective, self-control and perceived instrumentality.
We would like to discuss primarily the role of motivational in structural conflicts and the influence of structural conflicts on motivational aspects of individual.
In First part of paper we discuss the origins of conflicts and concepts of self and of relationship, and their connection with conflicts.

In second part we propose two concepts:
A partial ftp as ftp regarding only certain area of engagement and
Sub-conscious or Semi-conscious FTP as an additional factor of conflict origins and thereby also a dimension to be taken into account when resolving conflicts.

Further we explore inter-relatedness of conflict resolution and Future time perspective. From one point of view, we discuss differences of FTP as possible source of interpersonal or professional conflicts, on the other hand we explore influence of ftp on motivation for conflict resolving behaviour.
We also discuss influence of resolved or unresolved conflict for the size of FTP, namely resolved conflicts offer possibility to enlarge FTP and unresolved conflicts on the other hand can decrease size of FTP.

In third and in fourth part we briefly discuss some aspects of connection of conflict resolution with self-control (volition) and with perceived instrumentality.

1. Origin of conflicts and their relation to mental representation of self and of the relationship

A conflict can originate in difference or incompatibility of goals, and goals are essentially connected to motivation and ftp. If goal is perceived as unreachable, also motivation for pursuing this goal is not present or very low. "People are only motivated for actions when they see a reasonable chance to be effectual" (Bandura, 1986 in Lens,W., Moreas, M.-A., 1994, pp35)
There is large scope of goals to be reached, including those that are not even concretised yet, since they are still to be formed as a consequence of general motivational orientations, individuals perception of the world and particular environment. "Although some general motivational orientations are innate and, as such, common to all human beings, their behavioural shaping occurs as a function of situational factors and cognitive processing." (Nuttin, 1984, pp79)
The way in which individual structures the world plays essential role in formation of goals. As a consequence of two (partly incompatible) cognitive structures of the world and particular common environment certain conflicts are unavoidably predisposed.
Conflicts arising from differences or incompatibilities in cognitive structures or goals, can be named: "structural conflicts" and can be also latent, on the other hand conflicts, that are on behavioural level (e.g. quarrel, dispute…even fight) are "open conflicts". (L'Abate,L. (ed.) (1994) pp. 222)

Especially we would like to stress important role of self concept, and the goals connected to it, for this dynamic interplay between conflicts and motivation, as self-concept plays a central role in persons conception of the world and "Ultimately, it is the subject's self concept that determines the relative dominance of needs at a given moment" (Nuttin, 1984, pp. 71) and consequentially formation of goals to be reached. "It is that dynamic self-concept that concretises itself in personalised goals, which function as a criteria for the internal regulation of personalised action." " (Nuttin, 1984, pp. 184)

The other very important factor is conception of relationship and especially interrelatednes of the two. The main distinction is, weather person perceives relationship as a part of self or self as a part of relationship. Very difficult structural conflicts can origin from incompatibility of concepts of relationship and especially the relation between self and relationship. If person perceives self as part of relationship, or if relationship represents an essential part of self, then problems concerning relationship can cause major obstacle in realising own goals "Goals connected to self-concept are of vital importance for individuals well-being."(Brandstater, J., & Greeve, W.,1994) or even obstruct one to try to be what he wants to be. "The belief that one can no longer be, or become the person, that one wants to be is a key feature of depression and self-alienation." (Brandstater, J., & Greeve, W., (1994, Pp. 56)

2. Konflict resolution anf Future time perspective

Contingent path and two aspects of FTP

Contingent path is set of goals or tasks, "where the first step must be mastered, before being admitted to the next step, which has to be mastered in order to go on to the third step, and so on." (Lens,W., Rand,P., 1997, pp. 112) Contingent path is more task related concept of future time perspective. However Ftp can also be regarded more of a personality characteristics. In this case cognitive and dynamic aspect of future time perspective can be distinguished. Dynamic aspect is a "disposition to ascribe high valence to goals in the (rather) distant future." and "Cognitive aspect …a disposition to anticipate not only the immediate effect of an action, but also its long term consequences." (Lens,W., Rand,P., 1997, pp. 115)

Partial and unconscious FTP

Future time perspective does not necessary have to be equal for any area of persons activity. We propose concept of partial ftp as subjective task characteristics on certain area of engagement. We distinguish between general ftp and partial ftp. Partial ftp is connected to a particular area of engagement. Possible formalisation of partial ftp could be proportion of long term goals within particular area. General ftp would then be proportion of long term goals across all areas of engagement. Very obvious division could be between home and work. For example one could have long partial-ftp regarding professional career and short ftp regarding home (family, partner-relationship,...). Another area could be connected to ones free time activities (for example mountain climbing, scouting...), or self development...Of course problems regarding such partialisation could be when for some goal it would not be clear to which area it belongs or if it would belong to more areas at the same time. But regardless of formal difficulties, concept of partial FTP could be useful to understand motivational dynamics within certain area and differences in it among areas.

We would also like to introduce the idea of unconscious or semi-conscious FTP, as opposed to conscious one. It would be connected to unconscious or semi-conscious part of human psyche. FTP is usually regarded as dependant on relative importance of distant goals. But it does not take into account goals that do not yet have a form, which could be referred as dreams or desires. It also does not take into account latent goals. The goals that are not yet consciously recognised. We are aware of the formal difficulties which are related to such a concept, namely, how can we measure something that is unconscious, how can we measure "dreams", and at present we are unable to propose solution to this questions, but at least the concept could be useful for more intuitive and theoretical approach.
Conflicts originating from different sizes of FTP
Different size of FTP can also be connected to conflicts, especially within relationship or community, that is at least to one of its members very important. Not so much size of general FTP, but partial FTP regarding this particular relationship or community. We can claim, that by definition, those to whom particular field is not important have shorter ftp regarding this field, they do not ascribe high valence to goals in distant future to it, and they are relatively less aware of further consequences of present actions. Not necessarily compared to others, but surely compared to themselves on areas of their greater interest.
Furthermore, it is not individual goals (constituting partial FTP) regarding certain fields which contribute to conflicts, but goals, that require co-operation of others or common effort, to be achieved. And these trans-individual goals are very important in every relationship or community. Of course also individual goals can cause conflicts if they are not compatible with other individual or trans-individual goals, but that is not so much connected to the difference in partial FTP.
Regarding goals that transcend individuals capabilities, if there is a difference in partial FTP, consequently two kinds of conflicts are likely to appear. Firstly, the conflicts connected to different level of motivation for certain tasks or goals, since those with longer FTP tend to be more motivated for present tasks (although the opposite is true for failure avoidant persons) and those with shorter FTP tend to be less motivated, and consequently devoting less effort, so dissatisfaction and/or intolerance of the first and annoyance and/or resistance of the second is likely to develop.
Secondly, conflicts connected to different approach to tasks are also very likely, since those with longer FTP can more easily foresee implications of present actions, so they could perceive another approach more appropriate, than would those with shorter FTP, since they would not foresee certain implications.

Unresolved conflicts can decrease FTP

Some conflicts, that are perceived un-solvable, can also cause that goals dependant on the resolution of the conflict are perceived as unreachable, and if these goals are part of certain "contingent path" also all subsequent goals in this path become unreachable. If these goals are connected with ones identity that can cause major damage, as discussed above. But in any case, if goals are perceived as unreachable, motivation for them decreases and consequentially also the FTP is shorter.
On the other hand, if previously unresolved conflicts, that block certain goals, are resolved, then also ftp increases.
Being successful in conflict resolution is dependant also on developed conflict resolution skills, so there should be a positive relation between level of conflict resolution skills and size of the FTP.

Resolved conflict can enlarge FTP, psychological space

Thus people who resolve their conflicts successfully, have longer FTP, which results also higher motivation for present tasks and are therefore more successful, than those who try to avoid them. On the other hand people with larger FTP respond to potential conflict situation in more constructive way than those with shorter one. " Individuals with long future time perspective easily foresee the implication of their present action to more distant future" (Lens,W., Rand,P., 1997, pp. 115)

3. Conflict resolution and Self -control (Volition)

"Self-control is a persons successful attempt, to change the way, s/he would otherwise feel, think or behave" (Devitte,S. 2001) So, self-control, important for conflict resolution.
People in general tend to avoid conflict, to postpone dealing with their resolution…
On the other hand other, tend to confront others persistently.
Capacity of self-control is essential in conflict resolution, on one hand to overcome tendency to avoid confronting conflicts, on the other to overcome tendency to address conflicts all the time. Self control is also described as "Inhibition of emotions, impulsive behaviours or habits and mental content and/or Facilitation of complex or unattractive behaviours, mental strategies and emotions." (Devitte,S. 2001) and Conflict resolution demands complex and/or unattractive behaviour, hence volitional strategies are needed, to successfully deal with the conflict situations.
To such use of volition, we could reefer as pre-dispute use of volition, either to Facilitation of conflict resolving behaviour or to inhibit conflict tendency.
However volition is also useful within conflict situation or dispute. One part of self-control is also inhibition of emotions, impulsive behaviours or habits and mental content. This aspect is also needed regarding conflict resolution especially when argument or quarrel is involved. One has to inhibit certain type of behaviour, which is contributing to dynamics of destructive quarrel, in order to adopt more constructive conflict resolving approach.

4. Conflict resolution and perceived instrumentality

Perceived instrumentality of certain behaviour can affect initiation, persistence and quality of such behaviour.
Regarding conflict resolution or confronting the problems, there could be two reasons for avoidance, as far as perceived instrumentality is concerned.
First, people may not be aware of instrumental value of confrontation and dealing with conflicts. It can be due to their short future time perspective in general or regarding particular relationship, or due to some other reasons.
Second, they can perceive low instrumental value in such behaviour which could be a consequence of not believing, that it could bring satisfactory results (because of lack of experiences of successful resolution of conflicts for example, or because of lack of problem solving skills,…) or because particular relationship does not play (and consequently also the results don't) very important role in their future aspirations.
We hypothesise, that in case that person values particular relationship, and is aware of instrumentality of confronting behaviour, he/she would be willing to adopt such behaviour, although it is often unattractive, tiring and almost always complex.

Refferences:

Brandstater, J., & Greeve, W., (1994) The ageing self: Stabilising and protective processes, in Developmental review, 14, Pp. 52-80
L'Abate,L. (ed.) (1994) Handbook of Developmental Family Psychology and Psychopatology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. USA
Dewitte, S., Lens, W., (2000) Volition: Use with measure, Leuven
Devitte,S. (2001) Lecture on 9.2.2001 for erasmus students on KUL, Leuven
Lens,W., Moreas, M.-A., (1994) Future time perspective: An individual and a societal approach. In Z.Zaleski (Ed.), Psychology of future orientation (pp.23.-38)
Lens,W., Rand,P., (1997) Combining intrinsic goal orientations with professional instrumantality/utility in student motivation, in Polish Psychological Bulletin vol.28(2) pp.103-123
Lens.,W., Simons.,J. & Dewitte.,S,. (2000) Student motivation and self-regulation as a function of future time perspective and perceived instrumantality, Leuven
Nuttin., J. (1984) Motivation, Planing and Action.