Neurolinguistic programming tool to mediate environmental conflicts

Abstract

In an era where the development of a country is often linked to the implantation of large industries and enterprises, the environmental impacts, positive and negative, appear and are accompanied by notorious conflicts. Due to its complexity and importance, studies on these environmental conflicts have become relevant and necessary in recent decades. Conflicts can often be mitigated by efficient communication processes. Neuroliguistic Programming (NLP) brings tools that can generate changes in these relationships. The objective of this project was to develop a tool for resolving environmental conflicts and improving communication, using NLP. The methodology consisted of 4 phases: creation of the tool based on NLP concepts, structuring it in a booklet format, application of the material developed in 3 simulations to validate the tool and assess the improvement of relationships. In total, 83 questionnaires were applied, answered by 3 groups, participants in the negotiation dynamic, external evaluators and experts in the area of ​​NLP and environmental conflict management. After the analysis, it can be said that the tool provided an improvement in the resolution of environmental conflicts and in the communication between the different actors. It is important to take into account that the tool was applied in conflict simulations, presenting a first perspective of the tool's potentials and not an evaluation in its entirety. The 59 participants in the dynamic evaluated the average contribution level of the tool for improving relationships at 4.24, with a maximum score of 5, with a standard deviation of 0.75. The 2 expert evaluators attested an improvement in all the criteria evaluated between the two rounds of negotiation, with and without the developed tool. The 18 evaluators external to the dynamics, on the other hand, eliminated possible signs of bias and corroborated with the results of the other evaluators, attesting the help of the tool for the resolution of environmental conflicts. According to this last group, the improvements were more felt in the criteria of pleasantness of the discussion, level of aggressiveness and security of the argumentative. It was found that within environmental conflicts, despite their dynamism, some communication processes are common to all negotiations and if well worked, they can help improve relationships and resolve conflicts. Despite the complexity and individuality of each conflict, a tool that makes it possible to improve discussions on these topics is an initial step to assist and open doors in the face of these challenges.