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RESEARCH PAPER
By Leonard Glab Frontera
Founder and Director, G-Lab-2b ThinkTank,
Adjunct Professor, Universitat Pompeu Fabra
RESEARCH TOPIC
Exploring Intercultural Cooperation in Crisis and Conflict environments
Research Area: Intercultural Cooperation and Conflict Resolution
Research question: How can cooperation emerge in an intercultural crisis and conflict
environment?
DESCRIPTION
As an initial outcome (Phase 1) of this multifaceted research, the ECOOPx (Emerging Cooperation)
Model has been specifically developed in response to contemporary demands arising within our
global society, characterized by continuous and transformative changes, particularly regarding
intercultural crises and conflicts. Initiated by Leonard Glab Frontera and the G-Lab-2b ThinkTank in
2024, this model is designed as a dynamic framework intended for ongoing evolution. Throughout
2025 (Phase 2) and 2026 (Phase 3), the ECOOPx Model will undergo further enrichment and
refinement through rigorous application of various qualitative and quantitative research
methodologies, including documentary analysis, structured and semi-structured interviews,
interdisciplinary peer dialogues, observational studies, surveys, and specifically, field expedition
research conducted on the African continent.
The ECOOPx Model possesses the analytical capacity to examine and visualize concrete cases,
identifying why cooperation fails to occur, with particular attention given to areas of resistance.
Specifically, it isolates and investigates challenges within six critical dimensions which are
interconnected: Communication, Trust, Urgency, Organization, Shared Vision, and Resonance.
Moreover, beyond identifying obstacles, the model provides actionable insights and potential
solutions to facilitate successful intercultural cooperation. It enables an assessment of current
readiness levels for cooperation and outlines pathways for progress. Given its multidimensional
and adaptable structure, ECOOPx constitutes a versatile analytical tool applicable across various
contexts, including scientific research, academic application, policy formulation, and the business
environment.
VISUAL MODEL
RESEARCH (Phase 1) and LITERATURE REVIEW
The ECOOPx model emerged through extensive documentary research combined with empirical
field experiences in diverse intercultural and international contexts. Preliminary research involved
analyzing past and current global conflicts, intercultural cooperation in academic environments
(involving over 1,000 international students from 50 countries across three universities), and
cooperation in international business settings spanning, 20 companies, 12 countries on four
continents.
Key theoretical frameworks shaping the ECOOPx model include:
Several foundational theories and frameworks underpin the ECOOPx Model, each critically
evaluated regarding its relevance and applicability to cooperation dynamics.
Hartmut Rosa’s Resonance Theory provides valuable insights into meaningful societal connections
and deeper collaborative interactions. Geert Hofstede’s Intercultural Dimensions, although
foundational, are critically assessed due to their static and somewhat outdated portrayal of cultural
dynamics. Similarly, Robert Axelrod’s Evolution of Cooperation serves as a reference but is
simultaneously challenged for reducing cooperative behaviors exclusively to self-interested
motivations. Johan Galtung’s Conflict Triangle is integrated into the model, providing a nuanced
understanding of conflict through the interplay between attitudes, behaviors, and structural factors,
thereby enriching the analysis of intercultural conflicts. Joel Barker’s Shared Vision contributes
positively by emphasizing collective alignment through empathy and creativity, while John Kotter’s
Transformational Change offers structured steps toward organizational cooperation and
adaptability. Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking strengthens the model by encouraging creative
problem-solving in contexts of conflict. Byung-Chul Han’s critical exploration in The Burnout Society
sheds light on societal fatigue as a barrier to cooperation, complemented by Hannah Arendt’s
insights into collective and individual responsibility, emphasizing ethical accountability within
cooperative practices. Finally, Paul Watzlawick's axioms of communication and Claes Janssen’s
Four Rooms of Change model illuminate dynamics of resistance and transformative change
management within cooperative contexts, further enriching the analytical depth of the ECOOPx
Model.
Additionally, frameworks such as VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) and BANI
(Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) comprehensively define and contextualize
contemporary crises and conflicts, highlighting the multidimensional challenges that hinder
cooperation.
METHODOLOGY
Theoretical Framework and Variables: Preliminary research and empirical data collection
identified six pillars and their critical variables forming the ECOOPx model, which is essential to
nurture effective cooperation:
REFERENCES
Axelrod, R. (1984). The Evolu*on of Coopera*on. Basic Books.
Arendt, H. (2003). Responsibility and Judgment. Schocken Books.
Barker, J. A. (1993). Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future. Harper Business.
De Bono, E. (1970). Lateral Thinking: Crea*vity Step by Step. Harper & Row.
Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by Peaceful Means: Peace and Conflict, Development and Civiliza*on. Sage
PublicaMons.
Glasl, F. (1999). Confron*ng Conflict: A First-Aid Kit for Handling Conflict. Hawthorn Press.
Han, B. C. (2015). The Burnout Society. Stanford University Press.
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Ins*tu*ons, and Organiza*ons
Across Na*ons. Sage PublicaMons.
KoVer, J. P. (2012). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
Rosa, H. (2019). Resonance: A Sociology of Our Rela*onship to the World. Polity Press.
Watzlawick, P., Bavelas, J. B., & Jackson, D. D. (1967). Pragma*cs of Human Communica*on. W.W. N or t o n &
Company.
Janssen, C. (2008). The Four Rooms of Change Model. Förändringens Fyra Rum.
Research Pillars
Varia bles
Communication
Precision, Listening, Diversity
Shared Vision
Empathy, Creativity, Emotion
Organization
Leadership and Power, Transformational Change, System Thinking
Urgency
Science, Data Analysis, Storytelling
Trust
Knowledge, Experience, Reputation
Resonance
Relationship (Self, Society, Nature), Unavailability, Self-effectiveness