| It is hypothesized that many major conflicts experienced in negotiating the distribution of water resources are treated as problems to solve when in fact they are polarities to manage. This research study was designed to explore this concept of polarities, how they are functionally defined, how they are expressed in everyday life, relationships and groups processes, and how they might relate to water resource allocation decision-making processes in particular.;Attention was given to distinguish between either/or decision-making frameworks versus both/and perspectives of evaluation. The ultimate aim was to establish the subsequent value of managing conflict and decision-making outcomes rather than a reliance on attempting only to solve difficulties from amongst competing solutions placed on the table when solving meant one or more entities must lose something for another to gain its needs or desires.;This study sought to provide information, tools, and the impetus by which the water resource management leaders could effectively evaluate present practices and explore their counterparts' (rivals') perceptions. The main emphasis was placed on establishing the notion of the existence of polarities in water allocation decisions and subsequently developing a perspective or value of managing polarities in present and future decision-making practices. Eighty-five participants (29%) responded to a 20-question survey questionnaire.;Care was exercised in developing a thorough understanding of polarities, their relationship to the nature of conflict, their foundational existence in worldview assumptions, and their existence in the character and values of well-rounded, established, exemplary leaders. The overarching goal through the use of action research was ultimately to aid water resource leaders in establishing more effective means of dealing with water resource conflict, equipping them to identify and subsequently manage on-going polarities associated with water allocations. No attempt was made to promote the concept of managing polarities as the premier, foundational methodology or formula for approaching or solving conflict arising over water resource allocations. Polarity Management(TM) or PM is useful as an element to successfully navigate through conflict or disagreements. Managing polarities, as a defining mindset, enhances the process of successfully reaching higher mutually beneficial outcomes. |
