Culture & Conflict Resolution

Culture & Conflict Resolution PDF Author: Kevin Avruch
Publisher: US Institute of Peace Press
ISBN: 9781878379825
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 180

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Book Description
After years of relative neglect, culture is finally receiving due recognition as a key factor in the evolution and resolution of conflicts. Unfortunately, however, when theorists and practitioners of conflict resolution speak of culture, they often understand and use it in a bewildering and unhelpful variety of ways. With sophistication and lucidity, "Culture and Conflict Resolution" exposes these shortcomings and proposes an alternative conception in which culture is seen as dynamic and derivative of individual experience. The book explores divergent theories of social conflict and differing strategies that shape the conduct of diplomacy, and examines the role that culture has (and has not) played in conflict resolution. The author is as forceful in critiquing those who would dismiss or diminish culture s relevance as he is trenchant in advocating conflict resolution approaches that make the most productive use of a coherent concept of culture. In a lively style, Avruch challenges both scholars and practitioners not only to develop a clearer understanding of what culture is, but also to take that understanding and incorporate it into more effective conflict resolution processes."

Culture & Conflict Resolution

Culture & Conflict Resolution PDF Author: Kevin Avruch
Publisher: US Institute of Peace Press
ISBN: 9781878379825
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 180

Get Book Here

Book Description
After years of relative neglect, culture is finally receiving due recognition as a key factor in the evolution and resolution of conflicts. Unfortunately, however, when theorists and practitioners of conflict resolution speak of culture, they often understand and use it in a bewildering and unhelpful variety of ways. With sophistication and lucidity, "Culture and Conflict Resolution" exposes these shortcomings and proposes an alternative conception in which culture is seen as dynamic and derivative of individual experience. The book explores divergent theories of social conflict and differing strategies that shape the conduct of diplomacy, and examines the role that culture has (and has not) played in conflict resolution. The author is as forceful in critiquing those who would dismiss or diminish culture s relevance as he is trenchant in advocating conflict resolution approaches that make the most productive use of a coherent concept of culture. In a lively style, Avruch challenges both scholars and practitioners not only to develop a clearer understanding of what culture is, but also to take that understanding and incorporate it into more effective conflict resolution processes."

Culture, Conflict Styles. and Understanding

Culture, Conflict Styles. and Understanding PDF Author: Charles Christian Isaacs
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Communication in politics
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Today, we live within communities that are becoming increasingly globalized. Technological advancements allow us to engage, in real-time, with individuals on the other side of the globe, giving us the ability to connect with one another on a scale never witnessed before in human history. For all the benefits this ability to freely communicate affords us, conflict, that timeless feature of human interaction, remains ever present. Conflict, and our understanding of it, is further complicated when it occurs cross-culturally. Triandis (2000) notes, "[C]onflict is greater when the two cultures are very different than when they are similar" (Triandis, 2000, p.145). Different cultures have their own unique ideas on how conflicts are approached and managed when communicating with others (Brett, 2000; Carnevale & Choi, 2000; Leung et al., 2011; Tjosvold et al., 2001; Triandis, 1989; Triandis, 2000; Triandis et al., 1971). This uniqueness, if not properly understood, can result in misunderstandings between individuals of differing cultures, leading to an escalation in conflicts. Understanding the existence of differences in how different societies approach conflict is the focus of this study. Folger et al. (1993), define conflict as "the interaction of interdependent people who perceive incompatible goals and interference from each other in achieving those goals" (p.4). We know that the process to manage conflicts varies from individual to individual. Conflict styles are one way to understand this variation (Folger et al., 1993; Friedman et al., 2000; Oetzel, 1998; Rahim, 1983; Thomas & Kilmann, 1978; Thomas & Kilmann, 2008; Thomas & Schaubhut, 2008; Ting Toomey et al., 1999). These styles are the "patterned responses to conflict in a variety of situations" (Ting-Toomey et al., 1999, p. 48). Conflict styles are highly researched subjects within many academic fields. From the social sciences to business, researchers are working to understand conflict styles to promote better communication (Cai et al., 2002; Croucher et al., 2012; Folger et al., 1993; Friedman et al., 2000; Oetzel, 1998; Rahim, 1983; Thomas & Kilmann, 1978; Thomas & Kilmann, 2008; Thomas et al., 2008; Ting Toomey et al., 1999). We understand conflict based on five distinct styles: avoiding, accommodating, compromising, competing, and collaborating. They are found along two axes of human behavior, assertiveness, and cooperativeness, which satisfy the balance of concern for oneself and others (Folger et al., 1993, p.182; Rahim, 1983, p.369; Thomas & Kilmann, 1978, p.1139). Conflict styles fall along these two axes based on whether there is a high or low need for either or both parameters, depending on the goals of the individuals engaged in conflict. The complexities of conflict increase when we introduce cultural influences into the discussion. There is much more to culture than meets the eye. Individuals may think that culture is based on where an individual is from, their dress, religion, cuisine, etc., where in fact, an individual's culture is much more than this. This study discusses elements of culture, specifically the differences between individualism (found in many Western countries) and collectivism (found in many Eastern countries and Central and South American countries), and how these societal differences affect interactions between nations and influence international conflict. Culture adds complexity not only to our understanding of conflict generally but also when conflict occurs cross-culturally. The benefits of understanding the effects of culture on conflict are beneficial to human society at many levels, including fostering better relations and communication between governments, businesses, and other organizations (Brett, 2000; Janosik, 1987; Triandis, 2000). Cross-cultural interactions are becoming commonplace thanks to technology and an ever increasing global marketplace. Economic trade, on a global level, finds businesses and governments engaging more frequently than ever before. As beneficial for humanity as this trend is, it does come with its own unique problems. Cultural differences can lead to great misunderstanding and likely foster mistrust between interdependent parties. (Brett, 2000; Janosik, 1987;Triandis, 2000). These factors lead to the underlying questions this study seeks to better understand: Do different cultures understand the conflict in the same way? What impact does culture have when a conflict occurs between two parties from different cultures takes place? Do these cultural differences foster mistrust between interdependent parties who are of differing cultures? Understanding different approaches to conflict styles is key to building a sustainable working relationship and interdependence that will endure over time. This study looks at the historical interactions of two firmly established nations, the United States and the People's Republic of China. during the 1970s and 1980s. This is a point in history when the two nations had minimal formal relations but were interested in creating a relationship that could prove mutually beneficial for both. The purpose of this study is to better inform individuals and institutions, both public and private, about these differences, with the hope that it can better inform those individuals who are engaged in cross-cultural interactions. The ultimate goal of any good relationship should be mutually beneficial and lasting outcomes for all parties involved. This thesis explores this in the following ways. It begins with a literature review that examines the general principles of conflict, conflict styles, how they are defined by researchers, and how they are used to manage interest in conflict. This review includes a discussion of culture, how it is defined, and the differences between individualistic versus collectivist societies, as well as a brief discussion of international conflict. Finally, the literature review concludes with an overview of the case study, which lays out the historical period that is to be analyzed in this study and present the study's research questions. Following the literature review, the methodology discusses the research process and how data was collected and analyzed. Next, the findings section details the main themes found in the data. A discussion section then brings the research findings back into conversation with existing literature and research. Finally, it concludes with a conversation about the limitations of the study and my conclusions.

Managing Intercultural Conflict Effectively

Managing Intercultural Conflict Effectively PDF Author: Stella Ting-Toomey
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1506320260
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description
In this volume, Ting-Toomey and Oetzel accomplish two objectives: to explain the culture-based situational conflict model, including the relationship among conflict, ethnicity, and culture; and, second, integrate theory and practice in the discussion of interpersonal conflict in culture, ethnic, and gender contexts. While the book is theoretically directed, it is also a down-to-earth practical book that contains ample examples, conflict dialogues, and critical incidents. Managing Intercultural Conflict Effectively helps to illustrate the complexity of intercultural conflict interactions and readers will gain a broad yet integrative perspective in assessing intercultural conflict situations. The book is a multidisciplinary text that draws from the research work of a variety of disciplines such as cross-cultural psychology, social psychology, sociology, marital and family studies, international management, and communication.

Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment

Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment PDF Author: Mary L. Connerley
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1544340370
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 233

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Book Description
"This is a well-written book. Quite simple and precise . . . The authors should be commended. This book deals with leadership from a very contemporary perspective that reflects the importance of multiculturalism." –Guo-Ming Chen, University of Rhode Island No matter how culturally different the person or group, there will be common-ground similarities and no matter how similar the person or group, there will be significant differences. Culture influences our thoughts, words, and actions in ways that are often unrecognized, leading to misunderstandings. Each misunderstanding can become very expensive, both in terms of missed opportunities and less effective business outcomes. Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment provides leaders with the tools necessary to effectively interact with all individuals. Although much of the research related to multiculturalism has focused on expatriates and international assignments, Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment also focuses on leaders in domestic organizations, as they can benefit from developing their own multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills. Effective leaders can shape the culture of their organization to be accepting of individuals from all races, ethnicities, religions, and genders with a minimum of misunderstandings. Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment is well grounded in solid research, but written in an easy-to-comprehend style that: Provides a "culture centered" leadership perspective allowing organizational leaders the opportunity to attend to the influence of culture Helps the reader find examples of how multicultural awareness can make their leadership task easier Promotes an organizational culture that is more satisfying to both individuals and their leaders by embracing and celebrating differences. Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment is an ideal supplemental text for undergraduate- or graduate-level international management, leadership, or diversity-related courses taught in the business curriculum. It could also be used in leadership courses taught in education and communication departments.

Conflict Management and Intercultural Communication

Conflict Management and Intercultural Communication PDF Author: Xiaodong Dai
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1351971492
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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Book Description
In the globally interconnected world, conflicts often arise as a result of tensions between different cultural perceptions and diverse social preferences. Effectively managing conflicts and harmonizing intercultural relationships are essential tasks of intercultural communication research. This book seeks to find effective intercultural conflict management solutions by bringing together a group of leading international scholars from different disciplines to tackle the problem. Consisting of two parts, this book covers major theoretical perspectives of conflict management and harmony development in the first and conflict management and harmony development in different cultural contexts in the second. Integrating the latest work on conflict management and intercultural harmony, Conflict Management and Intercultural Communication takes an interdisciplinary approach, adopts diverse perspectives, and provides for a wide range of discussions. It will serve as a useful resource for teachers, researchers, students and professionals alike.

Conflicts in Culture

Conflicts in Culture PDF Author: Sandra Harris
Publisher: R&L Education
ISBN: 1475805195
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 114

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Book Description
The changing demographics of students and educators in schools today suggest that much of what we do as educational leaders revolves around the complex issues related to our various cultural understandings. In this book the authors discuss the relationship between culture and conflict and provide a continuum to better understand the basis for much cultural conflict. Authors emphasize a systematic framework that can be used to guide the practitioner in resolving conflicts rooted in cultural issues – from less difficult issues such as the cultural conflicts that occur on a campus between academic cultures and athletic cultures, to the more complicated and delicate issues rooted in racial or sexual identity issues.

Black and White Styles in Conflict

Black and White Styles in Conflict PDF Author: Thomas Kochman
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022611225X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
"Goes a long way toward showing a lay audience the value, integrity, and aesthetic sensibility of black culture, and moreover the conflicts which arise when its values are treated as deviant version of majority ones."—Marjorie Harness Goodwin, American Ethnologist

The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Communication

The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Communication PDF Author: John G. Oetzel
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483315428
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 1257

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Book Description
This second edition of the award-winning The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Communication emphasizes constructive conflict management from a communication perspective, identifying the message as the focus of conflict research and practice. Editors John G. Oetzel and Stella Ting-Toomey, along with expert researchers in the discipline, have assembled in one resource the knowledge base of the field of conflict communication; identified the best theories, ideas, and practices of conflict communication; and provided the opportunity for scholars and practitioners to link theoretical frameworks and application tools. Fully updated with the latest research throughout, the second edition offers new chapters on qualitative and quantitative research methods for conflict, intimate partner violence, family dynamics, mental health, negotiation, workplace bullying, healthcare conflict, identity and intercultural conflict, the middle way approach, conflict in the global workplace, the culture-based situational conflict model, community ethics and engagement, spirituality and conflict, and trust in academic-community partnerships.

The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution

The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution PDF Author: Bernard Mayer
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470932465
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
This empowering guide goes beyond observable techniques to offer a close look at the creative internal processes--both cognitive and psychological--that successful mediators and other conflict resolvers draw upon.

Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis

Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis PDF Author: Ho-Won Jeong
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1849206406
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
′...effectively fills a long-standing void and will no doubt be hailed as a much-needed new addition to the literature... This text very much exemplifies the strength of Ho-Won Jeong as a theorist and one of the more prolific writers in the larger peace and conflict studies field... the final three chapters on ′De-escalation Dynamics′ (which includes a brief section on third party intervention), on ′Conciliation Strategies,′ and especially the one on ′Ending Conflict,′ which provides a range of outcomes beyond the usual focus on third party intervention (read mediation) epitomizes the value of this new text′ - Journal of Peace Research ′...an awesome tour d′horizon of modern war, violence, and confrontation within and between nations. Illustrating via just about every conflict in every corner of the world, the author invokes an endless array of insights and interpretations, ranging from the micro to the macro, beautifully written in a seamless sequence of closely linked and discursive essays.′ - Professor J. David Singer, University of Michigan ′Ho-Won Jeong has written an illuminatinbg analysis of the dynamics of conflict. He lays out the tools we have to analyze conflict in a literate and comprehensive way. A valuable book for anyone interested in a more comprehensive understanding of conflict, its sources, and its deescalation and termination′ - Janice Gross Stein, Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management, Director, Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto ′Jeong has successfully combined behavioral and structural analysis of the dynamics of social conflict. This volume covers the multiple dimensions - escalation, entrapment, de-escalation, termination, and resolution - both of violent and non-violent confrontation between adversaries, as well as the utility and limitations of external intervention. For students of the social sciences, it should serve as an excellent introduction to the complex realities of social conflict.′ - Milton Esman, John S. Knight Professor of International Studies, Emeritus, Cornell University By examining the dynamic forces which shape and re-shape major conflicts, this timely book provides students with the knowledge base needed to successfully study conflict sources, processes and transformations. Broad in focus, it addresses the multiple social, political and psychological features central to understanding conflict situations and behaviour. A range of both recent and historical examples (including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the ′War on Terrorism′, the Cold War, and the civil wars in Sudan, former Yugoslavia and Sri Lanka) are discussed, illustrating the application of concepts and theories essential to the analysis of inter-group, inter-state and intra-state conflict and conflict resolution in a wider context. Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis is key reading for students of international relations, peace and conflict studies, conflict resolution, international security and international law.