Teaching Paper: Conflict Resolution Framework – A Practical Tool for Ethical Decision-Making in Non-Profits

Teaching Paper: Conflict Resolution Framework – A Practical Tool for Ethical Decision-Making in Non-Profits

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Teaching Paper | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-tp-03


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About the Article

Conflict is an inevitable part of organizational life, especially in non-profits where diverse stakeholders, limited resources, and ethical challenges intersect. This Teaching Paper introduces a seven-step Conflict Resolution Framework designed to help organizations manage disputes transparently and constructively: identifying conflicts, gathering information, analyzing root causes, developing solutions, making decisions, implementing resolutions, and monitoring outcomes. Drawing on Fisher and Ury, Bryson, Drucker, and Patton, the framework bridges negotiation theory with practical organizational tools. A case study illustrates its application in a regional education NGO, while tips, challenges, and reflection questions help practitioners adapt the model to their own contexts. By institutionalizing fair conflict resolution, non-profits can strengthen trust, reduce risk, and embed ethical decision-making into daily practice.

Key Topics

  • Structured conflict resolution in non-profits
  • Seven-step framework for ethical decision-making
  • Stakeholder engagement and consensus-building
  • Mediation and power balance in conflict
  • Monitoring and organizational learning
  • Practical application through case studies

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Conflict Resolution Framework – A Practical Tool for Ethical Decision-Making in Non-Profits. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-tp-03

References

Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations. Wiley.

Drucker, P. F. (1990). Managing the nonprofit organization: Principles and practices. HarperCollins.

Fisher, R., & Ury, W. (1981). Getting to yes: Negotiating agreement without giving in. Penguin.

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Handling ethical dilemmas in religious non-profit communication. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-05

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Foundations of ethical communication in religious non-profits. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-02

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Internal communication and ethics in religious non-profits. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-07

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical communication as a continuous commitment in religious non-profits. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eth-cm-rl-org-12

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Conflict Resolution in Religious Contexts. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/conflict-resolution-religious-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical Communication in Religious Organizations. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-communication-religious-2025

Patton, M. Q. (2008). Utilization-focused evaluation. Sage.

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September 26, 2025