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Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Design Note: Every contribution system needs clear, accessible mechanisms for resolving disputes, disagreements, and conflicts that arise between contributors, stewards, and community members. Conflict resolution answers the questions: How do we handle disagreements fairly? What happens when people have different views on contribution quality or reward distribution? How do we maintain community harmony while ensuring justice?

In decentralized systems like Matou DAO, conflict resolution isn't about avoiding conflict — it's about transforming conflict into learning and growth. Disagreements are natural and often valuable, revealing different perspectives and opportunities for improvement. The goal is to resolve conflicts in ways that strengthen relationships, clarify expectations, and improve the contribution system itself.

Relevance to Contribution Systems:

  • Trust building: Fair conflict resolution builds confidence that the system will protect contributors' interests.
  • Quality improvement: Conflicts often reveal gaps in processes, standards, or communication that need addressing.
  • Community cohesion: Properly resolved conflicts strengthen bonds rather than creating lasting divisions.
  • System evolution: Conflict resolution provides feedback loops for improving contribution processes and governance.
  • Scalability: Clear conflict resolution enables larger communities to handle disputes without centralized authority.

Matou DAO Implementation:

Tiered Resolution Process:

  • Level 1: Direct Dialogue — Contributors are encouraged to resolve conflicts through direct communication, facilitated by stewards if needed.
  • Level 2: Steward Mediation — If direct resolution fails, community, governance or project stewards will mediate the dispute.
  • Level 3: Elder Council Review — Complex or escalated conflicts are reviewed by the Elder Council, which can include community members with relevant expertise.
  • Level 4: Community Vote — For fundamental disputes affecting the entire system a proposal can be raised and the community can vote on resolution options.

Contribution-Specific Conflicts:

  • Quality disputes: When contributors and project owners disagree on contribution completion, the disagreement will be resolved by the project steward.
  • Reward disagreements: Changes to contribuion rewards should always be surfaced with the project owner either prior to assignment or as soon as identified. Project owners are able to adjust rewards if it is justifiable and the project budget allows for it. Adjustments should always be preemptively address, retroactive adjustments should only happen because of a communication failure and are less likely to be approved. For this reason its critical surface prior to contributor assignment or completoion. Conflicts over reward amounts or distribution are resolved by Project Stewards based on the examination of the contribution criteria and community precedents.
  • Timeline conflicts: Disputes over deadlines or completion expectations follow a similar process to reward disagreements above.

Cultural Integration:

  • Conflict resolution may incorporates cultural practices such as seeking elders guidance, having inperson gatherings, and including wider stakeholder or family.
  • Resolution processes emphasize restorative justice — repairing relationships and community harmony rather than just assigning blame.

Documentation and Learning:

  • All conflicts and their resolutions are documented in the conflict registry, creating precedents for future similar situations.
  • Resolution outcomes are shared with the community to improve understanding and prevent similar conflicts.
  • Process improvements are identified through conflict analysis, leading to better contribution guidelines and communication protocols.

Operational Framework:

  • Community stewards who are trained in mediation and conflict resolution techniques will mediate conflicts.
  • Time limits ensure conflicts don't languish unresolved, with escalation triggers for stalled processes.
  • Appeal mechanisms allow contributors to challenge resolution outcomes they believe are unfair.
  • Community education includes training on constructive conflict resolution and communication skills.
  • Conflict system development: A comprehensive conflict resolution system will be developed based on these principles to ensure fairness, transparency, and swift outcomes for all participants.