Reading Response Three

Managing Intercultural Conflicts

"Conflict permeates all social relationships. Just as relationship development occurs at different levels, so too does conflict. At the individual level, conflict occurs between two (or several) persons when they are disagreeing with each other, or competing for something (often scarce resources); such conflict is defined as interpersonal conflict."


conflict
noun con·flict \ˈkän-ˌflikt\
   : a struggle for power, property, etc.

   : strong disagreement between people, groups, etc., that results in often angry argument

   : a difference that prevents agreement : disagreement between ideas, feelings, etc.



As the quotation above from the assigned reading states, "Conflict permeates all social relationships." It is important that in the workplace, we keep conflict controlled and at a minimum. Allowing conflict to arise a midst a workplace, allows the efficiency of the workplace to fail. A workplace with good communication and few conflicts, is a workplace with higher efficiency.

"Although conflict is pervasive in all societies, our view of conflict and our conflict management styles are culture-bound. Individuals from different cultural groups bring with them diverse and complex value assumptions, expectations, and verbal and nonverbal communication rules and norms that govern the conflict process. Similarly, communities with different cultural patterns and belief systems create their own distinctive norms governing their behaviour. Hence intercultural conflict involves perceptions filtered through our cultural lenses. The pervasiveness of conflicts and the importance of managing them constructively make the study of intercultural conflict of great significance."


pervasive
adjective per·va·sive \pər-ˈvā-siv, -ziv\

   : existing in or spreading through every part of something


Communication styles vary throughout different cultural areas. Because we know this to be true, we can be sure that communication involving conflict also varies based on the cultural area. It is likely that the office manager in a San Diego office would handle conflict differently than the office manager in a Tokyo office. Just because the styles of handling conflict vary based on the country, doesn't mean that they ineffective. We don't have to look at different continents to see a difference in conflict communication styles. The difference between an office manager in North Dakota and an office manager in Ohio could vary greatly.

"Whether communication is cooperative or competitive depends on what is shared, perceived, and experienced between the communicators-- individuals, groups or organizations, and so forth. Cooperative behaviour builds a sense of trust and leads to the sharing of beliefs and attitudes and a desire for both sides to be satisfied in the relationship or interaction. However, when the communication space shrinks or even closes because of perceived or real differences in beliefs and values; incompatible goals; bias and prejudice; ethnic and racial prejudice; historical grievances and hatred; and political, territorial and economic disputes."

As was discussed in the quote about conflict management styles, it is important to keep it in the forefront of our minds that management styles vary every place we go and we need to keep an open mind to the different styles. Just because it's different from other methods we may be used to, doesn't mean that it doesn't work.

Communication Across Cultures

"All human beings conform to a culturally determined reality. Our culture shapes the way we "see" reality. Often we are unaware of our cultural assumptions until we come into contact with people whose cultural biases differ from ours. If we come from a culture where cows and pigs are raised to be food, for example, that may seem normal until we meet people whose cultures consider these animals sacred, or unclean, or people who consider raising any animal for consumption to be cruel and barbaric. Regardless of our cultural convictions, our ability to communicate flexibly and sensitively with others is a standard for success. Moreover, multicultural acuity makes sound economic, ethical, and legal sense."

The quote above states that our culture shapes the way we "see" reality. Our culture shapes how we view communication and conflict management. Because we are often so submerged within our own cultures, it can be difficult to accept a new style of management or communication. This quote points out that having the ability to communicate flexibly and sensitively with those we work with and those who surround us is a standard for success. We need to remember this as we go into the workplace and as we go out into the world. Communicating with others on their own level is the key to success.