Developing a conflict-sensitive business approach

Transcript:Developing a conflict-sensitive business approach:
Developing a conflict-sensitive business approach Audience C: Training for staff in non-Community Relations roles, but who have some interaction with external stakeholders Aims and objectives of this session 2 What do we mean by “conflict”? Understanding the terminology we use What do we mean by conflict? “At it's simplest, it is any tension or disagreement between people or institutions. At its most extreme, it is a full scale war fought between or within states. It covers arguments and atrocities, simple quarrels, and mass killings. But conflict is really a consequence. It is what happens when disagreements are not resolved or interests are considered incompatible. Violent conflict is what happens when one or more parties conclude that the only, or the most effective, means of advancing their agenda is through violence.” Scoping paper: Mining and Conflict. Prepared for ICMM (2013) 4 The nature of conflict Conflict exists along a continuum (disagreements to full scale war) Conflict is a consequence – based on actual/perceived incompatibility Inherent in humanity, part of life, inevitable Conflict can be a source of change and force for positive change Varies in intensity, depending on size of incompatibility and response Varies in form, dependent on many wider factors Only some conflicts become violent. 5 Exercise What examples do you have of conflict associated with your department and/or operation? In what way has it affected your operation or department, and you personally? 6 The relevance of conflict to business The two-way dimension of conflict 8 Common key social risk areas and flashpoints Vulnerabilities for companies and communities 9 Causes of conflict 2015 10 The direct costs of conflict to business 11 The indirect costs of conflict to business 12 The relevance of conflict to your role 13 Conflict is caused by common mining activities Awareness needed regarding your department’s role in exacerbating or triggering conflict Conflict impacts the whole business All conflict impacts carry a personal cost, regardless of your department’s role in the conflict. Skill yourself in conflict-sensitive business practices. Case study: Obuasi Mine, Ghana Context: Ashanti region of southern Ghana Underground gold mine with a history of mining dating back to 1890s, owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti since 2004 Situated in a largely forested region and surrounding land occupied by subsistence farmers 80 communities lie within a 30km radius of the mine Suspended operations at the end of 2014 after incurring heavy financial losses over several