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Boundary critique and its implications for conflict prevention

Author

Listed:
  • G Midgley

    (Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Ltd.
    University of Hull
    Victoria University of Wellington
    University of Queensland, Gatton Campus)

  • L A Pinzón

    (Universidad de Los Andes)

Abstract

This paper reviews developments in the theory of boundary critique, which has been used in a number of OR projects to support conflict resolution. The authors argue that this theory (and associated models) is also useful for conflict prevention. It indicates the need to support people in discussing their differences before conflict arises. Potential conflicts can be reframed through dialogue focusing on values, and participative governance can institutionalise fair processes for making decisions in the absence of consensus. Some of the boundary critique models also support people in recognising and countering the systemic conditions that enable stereotyping, stigmatisation and the victimisation of minorities. The paper ends by presenting a new model that was originally developed to inform mediation practice, but also has implications for conflict prevention. This helps explain how different interpretations of a common concern arise, and suggests ways to improve mutual understanding between people and/or reframe the common concern in order to defuse a potential conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • G Midgley & L A Pinzón, 2011. "Boundary critique and its implications for conflict prevention," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 62(8), pages 1543-1554, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:62:y:2011:i:8:d:10.1057_jors.2010.76
    DOI: 10.1057/jors.2010.76
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J-R Córdoba & G Midgley, 2006. "Broadening the boundaries: an application of critical systems thinking to IS planning in Colombia," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(9), pages 1064-1080, September.
    2. M Yolles, 2001. "Viable boundary critique," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 52(1), pages 35-47, January.
    3. C. West Churchman, 1970. "Operations Research as a Profession," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 37-53, October.
    4. J L Foote & J E Gregor & M C Hepi & V E Baker & D J Houston & G Midgley, 2007. "Systemic problem structuring applied to community involvement in water conservation," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 58(5), pages 645-654, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sydelko, Pamela & Midgley, Gerald & Espinosa, Angela, 2021. "Designing interagency responses to wicked problems: Creating a common, cross-agency understanding," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 294(1), pages 250-263.
    2. Luis Arturo Pinzón‐Salcedo & Juanita Bernal‐Alvarado & Eloisa María Ramírez‐Franco & Mario Alejandro Pesca‐Perdomo, 2023. "Do jaguars of the Amazon rainforest have a systemic perspective?," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 3-15, January.
    3. Konsti-Laakso, Suvi & Rantala, Tero, 2018. "Managing community engagement: A process model for urban planning," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 268(3), pages 1040-1049.
    4. Luis Arturo Pinzon‐Salcedo & Juanita Bernal‐Alvarado, 2022. "Dealing with complexity by using multilevel system boundary models," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 175-184, March.
    5. Pluchinotta, Irene & Salvia, Giuseppe & Zimmermann, Nici, 2022. "The importance of eliciting stakeholders’ system boundary perceptions for problem structuring and decision-making," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 302(1), pages 280-293.
    6. Daniel E. Ufua & Odunayo P. Salau & Owais Saleem & Mercy E. Ogbari & Adewale O. Osibanjo & Evans Osabuohien & Anthonia A. Adeniji, 2022. "Systems Approach to Address Human Resource Issues: A Case in a Commercial Livestock Farm in Southern Nigeria," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, May.
    7. Gerald Midgley & Luis A. Pinzón, 2013. "Systemic Mediation: Moral Reasoning and Boundaries of Concern," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(5), pages 607-632, September.
    8. Thanos Papadopoulos, 2012. "Public–Private Partnerships from a Systems Perspective: A Case in the English National Health Service," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 420-435, July.
    9. Alexandre de A. Gomes Júnior & Vanessa B. Schramm, 2022. "Problem Structuring Methods: A Review of Advances Over the Last Decade," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 55-88, February.
    10. Örsan Şenalp & Gerald Midgley, 2023. "Alexander Bogdanov and the question of unity: An emerging research agenda," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 328-348, March.
    11. Gerald Midgley & Erik Lindhult, 2021. "A systems perspective on systemic innovation," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 635-670, October.
    12. Sydelko, Pamela & Espinosa, Angela & Midgley, Gerald, 2024. "Designing interagency responses to wicked problems: A viable system model board game," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 312(2), pages 746-764.
    13. Luis Arturo Pinzon‐Salcedo & María Alejandra Torres‐Cuello, 2022. "Systems thinking concepts within a collaborative programme evaluation methodology: The Hermes Programme evaluation," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(4), pages 708-722, July.
    14. Helfgott, Ariella & Midgley, Gerald & Chaudhury, Abrar & Vervoort, Joost & Sova, Chase & Ryan, Alex, 2023. "Multi-level participation in integrative, systemic planning: The case of climate adaptation in Ghana," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 309(3), pages 1201-1217.

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