TOPIC 3 - INTERCULTURAL CONFLICT

Question 1

What factors may lead to conflict between cultural groups?

Answer 1

• Different Values - what are the values that drive our belief systems.
  
  • Perception of events - (different groups attribute different causes/blame to an event), this is often connected to our values & belief systems
  • Inability to communicate - Are you able to talk & listen to people? Are some voices others compared to others?
  • Power differences - (One group oppresses another), what role does power play in it all?
    Lack of empathy - Less communication= Lack of empathy

Question 2

What types of factors shape how one views, approaches, and engages in conflict? How is conflict shaped by cultural values (i.e., individualism/collectivism, high and low power distance, high and low context)?

Question 3

Describe the ‘conflict as opportunity’ orientation toward conflict? What types of cultural groups tend to have this orientation?

Answer 3

• Views conflict as “normal”
  
  • Direct confrontation is valued; engaging in confrontation to change the trajectory of the situation
  • Conflict leads to positive outcomes
  • Can be used to achieve goal
• This aligns with Individualistic values
• Aligns with Low-power distance
• Aligns with Low context

Question 4

Describe the ‘conflict as destructive’ orientation toward conflict? What types of cultural groups tend to have this orientation?

Answer 4

• Conflict disturbs the peace
  
  • Confrontations are destructive
  • System’s should not adjust to meet people’s needs
  • Friends should mediate conflicts
• Aligned with collectivistic values
• High-Power distance
• High-context

Question 5

Understand the different orientations to conflict described by Ting-Toomey.

Answer 5

Individualism/Collectivism
Low Power Distance vs. High Power Distance
M-Time & P-Time