Layer 4 - Conflict, Repair & Accountability

What happens when things break.

Conflict classification

  • Interpersonal
  • Role-based
  • Structural
  • Ethical boundary violations

Repair mechanisms

  • Mediation
  • Restorative processes
  • Sanctions
  • Separation

Protection

  • Power abuse safeguards
  • Minority protection
  • Burnout prevention

Artifacts

  • Conflict Resolution Ladder
  • Accountability Protocol

Layer Invariants

  • Invariant 4.1: Conflict is handled, not avoided
    All conflicts must have a defined resolution path; ignoring conflict is a violation.

  • Invariant 4.2: Power asymmetry is acknowledged
    Conflicts involving power differences require elevated safeguards.

  • Invariant 4.3: Repair precedes punishment
    Restorative processes must be attempted before sanctions, except in safety-critical cases.

  • Invariant 4.4: Safety overrides participation
    Physical, psychological, and child safety override all participation rights.

Explicitness Rules

MUST be explicit

  • Conflict classification
  • Minimum repair process
  • Protection mechanisms
  • Separation thresholds

Why: conflict avoidance is not neutrality; it’s structural failure.

MAY be explicit

  • Mediation styles
  • Facilitator selection
  • Restorative practices

MUST remain optional

  • Emotional expression norms
  • Therapeutic or spiritual framing

RCOS Blueprint by EcoHubs

A modular operating system that defines how intentional communities organize — from governance and roles to resource sharing and conflict resolution — in support of resilience, fairness, and regeneration.

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