Revised chapter 17 (5) conflicts and cultural differences

Chapter 17 Conflicts and cultural differences... Conflict and cultural groups• Cross-cultural conflict involves: – Cultural groups protecting their own self-image – Intercultural perce

Chapter 17

Conflicts and cultural

differences

Conflict and (cultural) groups

• Cross-cultural conflict involves:

– Cultural groups protecting their own self-image

– Intercultural perceptions coloured by

ethnocentrism and stereotypes

Core values: durability of personal relations, even

if a strong divergence of opinion results in conflict.

•Concern for face:

– across all ethnic groups

•Concern for others:

– generosity, respect, honesty and sincerity, being upright and

caring

•Respect for seniority:

– in some conflicts a third person, a ‘neutral senior’:

• clarifies key issues subordinates will never confront their superior, will

be uncooperative and eventually resign themselves to the way their boss behaves.

Managing conflict in Thailand

• The name Thailand – ‘The Land of Smiles’:

– reflects the social harmony in this country

– A Thai smiles in pleasant and stress-filled situations

• Smile hides feelings in public:

– self-discipline to maintain status, prestige and face:

• concept of ‘jai yen’ (‘cool heart’) derived from Buddhism

• Individualism quite predominant:

– but Thais are more ‘relationship-oriented’ than ‘results-oriented’

• Conflict:

– rarely regarded as either positive or negative:

– if a conflict arises, a third party (traditionally a respected elder) is called upon to mediate.

Managing conflict in (South) Korea

Korea:

-reflects in a way the differences and similarities between Western and Eastern attitudes to conflict

•Koreans:

– prefer a non-competitive (or non-dominating) strategy in face-to-face conflict situations

– Prefer to use a superior or authoritarian personality

to resolve conflict