Reconciliation in the Work, the Impact of Reconciliation Strategy in the Work Place: Case of Rwanda

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW1

2.1 Introduction1

2.2 Defining Reconciliation1

2.3 Reconciliation in a Post-Conflict Scenario2

2.4 The Role of the Government in Reconciliation4

2.5 The Role of Private Sector in Reconciliation6

2.6 Emerging Guidelines for the Agents of Reconciliation8

2.7 Examples of Reconciliation in Other Countries9

2.7.1 South Africa9

2.7.2 Sri Lanka11

2.8 Conclusion12

REFERENCES13

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The purpose of a literature review is to analyse the concept of reconciliation and how it presented by different scholars. Furthermore, the section focuses on analysing the role played by government and private sector in reconciliation. This review seeks to establish the parameters for the study of the effectiveness of the reconciliation process in Rwanda in respect of relations within the business environment. In order to achieve this aim, there exists a need to define what is meant by reconciliation in the context of a country wracked by internal strife, whilst identifying those factors which are recognized universally in regards to contributing to reconciliation in order to provide a set of benchmarks with which to evaluate the experience of Rwanda. This Literature Review accordingly seeks to provide a framework for the methodological aspects of the project and the broad themes explored in further chapters.

2.2 Defining Reconciliation

The ultimate goal of peace building is reconciliation. This occurs when people having dispute develop a new relationship on the basis of forgiveness, newly defined trust, credibility, and apology. According to Koch, Altorrki, Arno & Hicksonnd (1997) reconciliation is defined as a platform where mercy and trust meet. It brings people closer to each other by allowing them to forget previous happenings and re-establish a new, peaceful, normalized, and trusting relationship (p. 269). It is also defined as realistic and practical way of dealing with some important changes that involve previous injustice for achieving desired objectives like, nurturing democracy, building peace, promoting human rights, and practicing justice among people (Borneman, 2002, 281).

Reconciliation has also been defined as realistic and practical way of dealing with some important changes that involve previous injustice for achieving desired objectives like, nurturing democracy, building peace, promoting human rights, and practicing justice among people (Borneman, 2002, 281). The previous studies (such as Borneman, 2002; Irani & Funk, 2001; Minnowm 1998) focused on reconciliation focused on reparations, apology, forgiveness, retributive justice, and truth acknowledgement. There are different forms of reconciliation, and no single way of reconciliation is enough or applicable to all types of conflict resolution. No single form is satisfactory or perfect to meet the requirements of all the scenarios and parties that are involved in the conflict (Galtung, 2001, 19). Sometimes, it becomes difficult to identify or choose the best or appropriate form, depending on temporal and specific circumstances of each society and conflict.

2.3 Reconciliation in a Post-Conflict Scenario

Post-Conflict Scenario occurs when there is already a conflict between two parties or individuals. In the perspective of workplace, conflict can be between manager and employees, or between two employees. According to Irani and Funk (2001), conflict is ...