Going beyond: using business for peacebuilding in identity-based conflicts

Wasseem Abaza

Social Responsibility Journal, 2026, vol. 22, issue 9, 2057-2073

Abstract: PurposeThis paper proposes a theory for peacebuilding in identity-based conflict using business as an ideal setting, adding to the body of knowledge on the relationship between business and positive social development. Specific emphasis is placed on creating a potentially prescriptive process using aspects of business that foster mutual understanding among identity groups in conflict.Design/methodology/approachBuilding off existing theoretical relationships, a model is proposed that takes into account economic concerns, a safe space for communication, mutual understanding and a shared workplace identity that supersedes that of the conflicting identities as required for a peacebuilding process.FindingsA model for future theory testing is provided that builds a framework for creating peach in identity-based conflicts. It follows a logical progression of interrelated relationships that are found in various literature separately but not combined into a single, practical model.Practical implicationsThe model can create both positive social impact through a peacebuilding process in potentially violent conflicts and positive economic impact through reduction of the great costs of these conflicts. These impacts can be local but can also have larger global implications as identity-based conflicts can span nations and regions.Social implicationsThis is a proposed theory that builds a model for peacebuilding in identity-based conflicts. These conflicts are more often than not violent in nature. After future testing, as is recommended in the article, this model has the potential to save lives.Originality/valueEach theory or relationship on its own comes from existing literature, however, this is the first time combining these relationships into a single model for use in identity-based conflicts. These individual relationships come from sociology, conflict mediation and business literatures so a single unified model is presented that encompasses theories from multiple disciplines.

Keywords: Business ethics; Peacebuilding; Shared identity; Identity-based conflicts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:srjpps:srj-09-2025-0909

DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-09-2025-0909

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