Knowledge as the Basis of Training

This figure summarizes the characteristics of two groups of participants in a conflict resolution training event.

The analytical distinction between implicit and explicit conflict knowledge bases distinguishes these two types of participants: those who train and those who are trained. Implicit knowledge is rarely sought after, nor understood as a resource, and yet explicit knowledge is socially valued as a commodity. It is in fact explicit knowledge that can be packaged and given monetary value. This point is crucial in developing an analytical framework for conflict resolution training, for it establishes two key propositions.

First, it suggests that both knowledge bases are present in any given training. Second, it postulates that the relevance, importance, and role of the two knowledge bases will vary according to the training model.