Intercultural Conflict
Implicit or explicit emotional struggle between ppl of different cultures over perceived incompatible values/norms/goals/etc in a communication situation
Intercultural Conflict Factors
Culture-based conflict lenses
IC conflict perceptions
IC conflict goal issues
Perceived scarce resources
Independent-Self Conflict Lens
- Tangible conflict issues above relationship issues
- Clear win-lose approach
- “Doing”
- Outcome-driven
Interdependent-Self Conflict Lens
- Emphasizes relationship and feeling issues
- Win-win relational approach
- “Being”
- Long-term compromising
4 Corporate Value Conflict Approaches
IMPARTIAL: individualistic & small power
STATUS-ACHIEVEMENT: individualistic & large power
BENEVOLENT: collectivistic & large power
COMMUNAL: collectivistic & small power
Conflict Resources
(In)tangible rewards that ppl want in a dispute
Tangible - concrete resources
Intangible - deeply felt emotional needs
3 Techniques to Negotiate Scarce Resources
DIFFERENTIATION: taking active stance to acknowledge different cultural perspectives
EXPANSION: active search for alternative paths to enlarge amount/type/use of resources
COMPENSATION: offer exchanges or concessions for conflict issues they value differently
Facework
V & NV strategies used to maintain, defend, or upgrade own social self-image and attack/defend social image of others
Conflict Communication Style
Patterned V & NV responses to conflict in a variety of situations
5 Styles of Handling Conflict
- DOMINATING: push for own self-interest
- AVOIDING: dodging the topic/party/situation
- OBLIGING: high concern for others’ interest above own
- COMPROMISING: give and take to reach mid-point agreement
- INTEGRATING: high concern for self and others’ interest
Flexible IC Conflict Skills
- Facework management
- Mindful listening
- Cultural empathy
- Mindful reframing
Individualistic Conflict Lens
Self-face oriented Direct, LC conflict style Linear logic Self-defensive, dominating, competitive Compromising is task-based
Collectivistic Conflict Lens
Other or mutual face oriented Indirect, HC conflict style Spiral logic Integrative, compromising Compromising is long-term
