Dynamics of asymmetric conflict: The case of the German Milk Conflict
研究了德国牛奶配额取消后，新兴农民协会与大型组织之间的非对称冲突模式，基于34次深度访谈提出扎根理论，揭示小组织如何利用情绪化和简化策略，大组织如何理性化应对，为复杂环境中的冲突管理提供建议。
The German Milk Conflict developed when an emerging farmer association challenged the large incumbent in the wake of an insufficiently communicated policy change, abolition of the milk quota. The organizations represent opposing sides of a common policy debate, market liberalization versus regulation. The study analyzed the patterns between the two organizations and proposed a grounded theory of asymmetric conflict. Due to the elevated level of emotions during the conflict, the study used a qualitative research approach based on 34 in-depth interviews. The analysis uncovered the interlocking patterns of simplification and emotionalization by the smaller association and rationalizing by the larger association. Results indicate how an active opponent can use policy changes to its advantage and how to prevent such a development. Recommendations based on the grounded theory developed, such as implementing suitable communication strategies, are transferable to a variety of changes and conflict situations in complex environments, such as the food and agricultural sector.