Conflict is a natural part of human existence. Understanding the types of conflict is essential to beginning to resolve conflict. In the ancient world conflict had life and death consequences and as a result humans are hardwired with a fight or flight response to conflict. Today, however, conflict can be evaluated and resolved before a life and death situation is on hand even though the humans are still hardwired with the fight or flight mechanism.
Data
Data conflicts come about as a result to misinformation or a lack of information. The way information is perceived can also lead to many data conflicts. A person's choice of which data is important can lead to conflicts with others.
Values
Values, or belief systems, can easily cause conflict. What one person values others may find trivial. Conflicts over lifestyle, ideology and religion are all value conflicts. Many value conflicts come about when one person or group attempts to push their values onto another according to the Oregon Mediation Center.
Relationship
As with data conflicts, relationship conflicts can be caused by a lack of communication. Behavior that is considered negative by the other party, stereotypes and strong emotions also lead to relationship conflicts according to the Colorado Department of Education.
Interest
Conflicts of interest come about when there is perceived or actual competition between parties. The idea that one party's needs must be sacrificed for the other to gain often causes a conflict of interest. Such things as money, resources, dispute resolution procedures and the perception of fair or just can all lead to a conflict of interest.
Structural
Structural conflict is a result of barriers that are normally outside of the conflicting parties' control. Environment, geography and time can all lead to structural conflict. Unequal power or authority may lead to conflict along with unequal control or distribution of resources.
