...Intercultural Conflict Management How should we define an intercultural conflict? Is there any difference between a conflict and an intercultural one? The following chapter, which is a summary of the chapter “Constructive Intercultural Conflict Management” (Stella Ting-Toomey, Communicating Across Cultures, 1999, pages 194-197), attempts to answer these two questions. At the end of the chapter, we also include an extract of the “Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory” (Mitchell Hammer, 2002) 1. Definition of intercultural conflicts “Intercultural conflict is defined as the perceived or actual incompatibility of values, norms, processes, or goals between a minimum of two cultural parties over content, identity, relational, and procedural issues. Intercultural conflict often starts off with different expectations concerning appropriate or inappropriate behavior in an interaction episode.” (Ting-Toomey, 1999, p.194). Another author holds a similar view: “Conflicts are always cultural, since we are all cultural beings. Yet the very definition of conflict is challenging because of our cultural ways of seeing”. (Michelle Le Baron and Venashri Pillay, Conflict across Cultures, 2006, page 13). According to Le Baron, conflict occurs at ← the material level, or the “what” of the conflict; ← the symbolic level, the meaning of issues to the people involved, especially those meanings that resonate with peoples' identities, values, and worldviews; ← and the relational...
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...Topic : Benefits of learning intercultural communication to university student. Chapter 1 Introduction Background of the Study Anthropologist Edward T. Hall is the founder of intercultural communication during the 1951-1955 when he was at the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of States. The scholarly field of intercultural communication was then mainly advanced by university-based scholars of communication in the United States and Japan, and in other countries. The development of intercultural communication in the U.S. and Japan is analyzed here. Intercultural communication is one of the most important communications and also a structure of global communication as the world today is characterized by an ever growing number of contacts resulting in communication between people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This communication takes place because of contacts within the areas of business, military cooperation, science, education, mass media, entertainment, tourism but also because of immigration brought about by labour scarcity or political conflicts. Hence, there is communication which needs to be as constructive as possible, without misunderstandings and breakdowns. It is to belief that study on the nature of linguistic and cultural similarities and differences here can play a helpful and constructive role. Intercultural communication in its most fundamental form...
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...Intercultural Conflict Management How should we define an intercultural conflict? Is there any difference between a conflict and an intercultural one? The following chapter, which is a summary of the chapter “Constructive Intercultural Conflict Management” (Stella Ting-Toomey, Communicating Across Cultures, 1999, pages 194-197), attempts to answer these two questions. At the end of the chapter, we also include an extract of the “Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory” (Mitchell Hammer, 2002) 1. Definition of intercultural conflicts “Intercultural conflict is defined as the perceived or actual incompatibility of values, norms, processes, or goals between a minimum of two cultural parties over content, identity, relational, and procedural issues. Intercultural conflict often starts off with different expectations concerning appropriate or inappropriate behavior in an interaction episode.” (Ting-Toomey, 1999, p.194). Another author holds a similar view: “Conflicts are always cultural, since we are all cultural beings. Yet the very definition of conflict is challenging because of our cultural ways of seeing”. (Michelle Le Baron and Venashri Pillay, Conflict across Cultures, 2006, page 13). According to Le Baron, conflict occurs at ← the material level, or the “what” of the conflict; ← the symbolic level, the meaning of issues to the people involved, especially those meanings that resonate with peoples' identities, values, and worldviews; ← and the...
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...Intercultural Ethics 1 Intercultural Ethics: A Constructivist Approach Richard Evanoff This article originally appeared in the Journal of Intercultural Communication 9:89-102 (2006), published by the Society for Intercultural Education, Training, and Research (SIETAR)–Japan. Copyright © 2011 Richard Evanoff. Abstract While a considerable amount of research in the field of intercultural communication has been devoted to empirical and theoretical studies on cultural differences, comparatively little work has been devoted to normative studies which consider how problems which arise because of cultural differences might be resolved (see, however, Evanoff 2004 for a bibliography of recent publications in this area). Normative research differs both from empirical research, which is basically concerned with describing existing patterns of beliefs, values, and behavior through the use of statistical data, interviews, case studies, and the like, and from theoretical studies, which attempt to make generalizations about cultural differences and how people respond to them by abstracting from such data. The methodology of ethics is neither empirical nor theoretical, but rather normative, which means that it basically concerns itself with a consideration of what beliefs, values, and forms of behavior might be plausibly adopted. Metaethics concerns itself with broader issues of how such decisions can be reasoned about, justified, and, indeed, debated across cultures. Intercultural...
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...Intercultural Communications SOC 315 Cultural Diversity March 16, 2005 Abstract This paper describes, explains and rectifies a situation that illustrates an intercultural communication issue within the work environment. A full description of the communication issue will be covered, along with the outcome of the situation. A diagnosis of the communication issue and the cultural norms involved will be discussed. Several recommendations that would have prevented the issue will also be discussed. Intercultural Communications The world today has a growing number of contacts resulting in communication between people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The communication needs to be as constructive as possible, without misunderstandings and breakdowns. Sweden like many other areas is changing into a multicultural society. The health care industry in Sweden has been one of the most ethically and gender segregated work places compared to the rest of the industry. That is beginning to change rapidly, which has created some communication issues. Description of the Communication Issue Context "The chance of hearing Swedish with an accent in hospitals and other health care institutions is fairly high" (Allwood, et. al.). There is such a shortage of health care personnel that they are working abroad because they can work less hours, get higher pay and lower taxes outside of Sweden. Sweden has been recruiting health...
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...and manage your personal time, finances and other resources 2 • assess, weigh and manage risk in the face of uncertainty • recognize your strengths and areas for improvement • adapt to new environments and cultures This competency aligns with the following UVic Learning Outcomes: Ethical and professional reasoning and action / Intercultural knowledge and sensitivity Communication: This means that you’re comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and you choose appropriate, effective ways to communicate to audiences in diverse situations. You show this competency when you: •communicate in a respectful tone and manner •listen actively and communicate effectively with others •write clearly and accurately in a variety of contexts and formats •listen and ask questions to understand other people’s viewpoints •communicate issues in a timely manner •are aware of and responsive to verbal and non-verbal communication styles •recognize cultural differences in communication •use effective cross-cultural communication skills This competency aligns with the following UVic Learning Outcomes: Effective written, visual, and oral communication / Intercultural knowledge and sensitivity Managing information: This means that you’re able to think critically and gather, sort, store and use...
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...THE INTERCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE www.idrinstitute.org U.S.A: 6203 NE Rosebay Drive. Hillsboro, Oregon 97124 +1 503-268-1025 Italy: Via Francesco Arese 16, 20159 Milano +39 02 6680 0486 idri@idrinstitute.org INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP1 Milton J. Bennett, Ph.D. 1 This reading is an edited compilation of two articles by Milton J. Bennett: “Developing Intercultural Competence for Global Managers” in Reineke, Rolf-Dieter (Editor) (June, 2001) Interkulturelles Managment. Wiesbaden: Gabler Verlag, ISBN: 3409-11794-6 and “An Intercultural Mindset and Skillset for Global Leadership” from Conference Proceedings of Leadership Without Borders: Developing Global Leaders. Adelphi, MD: National leadership Institute and the Center for Creative Leadership, University of Maryland University College, 2001. Over the last twenty-five years, the field of intercultural relations has developed some sophisticated methods for developing intercultural competence. Gone are the days when the only approach to an assignment abroad was “sink or swim.” And fast disappearing are the organizations who still say “the way we do it here is the way we do it everywhere.” It is now possible to prepare global managers and leaders to learn how to learn in new cross-cultural situations, thus speeding up their adaptability and improving their productivity. For experienced hands, the new methods allow them to share their own experience more effectively with the next generation...
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...The emergence of Clash of Civilizations we can see from the increasing the dispute between cultural region and the most obviously between the Islamic and Western. Incidents that convincingly the dispute between Muslim and Western, we can see from terrorist attack of 9/11, the war on Iraq and Afghanistan and never ending conflict between Israel and palestina. Those incidents are the highest profile examples of a global state of affairs whose ramifications extend to even the very local and regional levels Incident of the burning of copies of the Qu’ran to express hatred islam is senseless expression and point that the rising of Islamophobic sentiment in the world. On the other side, we also see a growing suspicion and reticence on the part of Arabs and Muslims to engage with Westerners on matters that may help develop their own societies. In Ali’s view, he said that no matter how pessimistic the landscape seems to be, we must not allow ourselves to concede to the inevitability of a trajectory which ends in the proverbial clash of civilizations. Further, it is an obligation to respond proactively to the tensions of our world by working actively and methodically to ameliorate them, so as to replace instability with stability, hostility with friendship, and animosity with alliances. In his view, he acknowledges the efforts of...
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...Tourism; An Efficient Dynamic on Intercultural Dialogue Saulat Ali Department of Communication Studies, College of Applied Sciences Salalah. Ministry of Higher Education. PO BOX: 119 Salalah P.C: 211 Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968-98932578 Email: saulatali@gmail.com Abstract The last quarter of a century has witnessed rapid development of the intercultural field. These days, intercultural dialogue is not only a regional or national necessity but it is crucially global. Human being is social creature who needs dialogue; so wisdom of human is the wisdom of dialogue. Tourism industry is one of the accomplishments of cultural dialogue which not only is a kind of industry but also it is a science, art and knowledge. The primary objective of this research revolves around impact of cultural tourism on intercultural communication. Have our own cultures, discussed with other cultures; and among these discussions and interactions we can complete and revise our culture and exchange it with others. Cultural tourism paves the way for intercultural dialogue. Intercultural dialogue should be enhanced to improve intercultural acceptance. Tourism extends our knowledge and information in two ways: better understanding of ourselves and others. Keywords: Globalization; Intercultural Communication; Cultural Tourism; Cultural Dialogue; Oman 1. Introduction: For the past decade or so, events such as September 11 terrorist attacks, Bali bombings, London bomb attacks, shooting...
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...Introduction Conflict is a problematic event, and, such as, it needs to be managed (Sara, 2011). To a certain extent, it is correct because it endangers existing relationship and undermines the constructive initiative between at least two parties in the group process. On the other side, some researchers may insist the appearance of conflict is inevitable, in somehow conflict may emerge from everyday in our life. Mediation The word mediation is now in common usage, but still liable to be ambiguous with similar words such as “conciliation” and “reconciliation”. Mediation has become increasingly necessary to agree a universal definition. According to The Council of the European Union, it defines mediation as: “a structured process…whereby two or more parties to a dispute attempt by themselves, on a voluntary basis, to reach an agreement on the settlement of their dispute with the assistance of a mediator.” A mediator is defined as: “any third person who is asked to conduct mediation in an effective, impartial and competent way…” Mediators help the parties to explore more settlement and to reach mutual agreement. Participants are encouraged to reach the agreement autonomously and mutually decision, without threats and pressure from each parties and without direction from the mediator. Counselor VS Mediator Although family mediators and counselors undoubtedly similar with some common areas of knowledge and skills, it is important to state that the role of mediator differs...
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...THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT COMMUNICATION IS HEARING WHAT ISN’T SAID. (Peter Drucker, 2013) Our world has become a global market place where effective communication is a necessity to survive. Identifying the connections between the people involved in the exchange of information is critical to effective communication. The aims of this blog are threefold: The first is to explain the concept of Social Competence; the second shows how the use of Intrapersonal communication can influence one’s communication; and the third portrays the importance of intercultural communication. SOCIAL COMPETENCE Social competence is the capacity to manage self and relationships effectively. It is the basis of emotional competence (Dwyer, 2009 p.68). The idea behind social competence is that there are many ways to react to situations, and some of them are more constructive than others. Robinson et al. (2013 p. 1268) states that socially competent people are potentially less likely to engage in reactive aggression because they have learned that this form of behaviour does not typically solve interpersonal problems, but rather exacerbates them. Rossana Condeleo quotes: “ The role of any person in this world is to be themselves without damaging the rest. We are important as long as the rest ‘is’ ”. (goodreads 2013) To put this all together, there is real value in learning how to deal with people effectively. But life is sometimes full of frustrating people and situations and this...
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...ending change before it occurs. 60 years ago, instant access to information was not available. A businessman in Texas was not able to communicate with a customer in Singapore, over a video conference call. People of different cultures did not have nearly as many interactions compared to today. Today’s world is one where different people of all different cultures are conducting business together on a daily basis. The presence of diverse cultures calls for a change in the way business is run. Businesses’ must anticipate the effects of a multicultural workforce and anticipate how it may impact trust between coworkers, task management, and communication in large companies. Having different cultures in the workplace can cause conflicts to arise between relationships. Some cultures, such as Latinos, value trust and relationships. Latinos, for example, put relationships with others above all else. They refuse to let work or any other subject come between them and a friend or a loved one. On the other hand, Americans tend to put work first above all else. They will set aside a relationship, or even cause harm to a relationship simply because they value their work more than their friends or loved ones. It should be stated that everyone agrees on the same idea, when at work, it is strictly for work (Hofstede). Everyone should let go of all personal ties and strictly do their jobs. My Father always told me that work is work and nothing more. Don’t ever make work personal...
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...and negotiating meaning to establish and maintain relationships. It is generally agreed that we communicate with a purpose in mind and that the most important purpose is to satisfy a personal or social need. The communication process includes people, messages, signs and codes, meaning, interpretation encoding and decoding and medium and channel. Thus communication is always contextual meaning it is influenced by the time, place, status and relationship of the participants. –Sheila Steinberg (2007). Communication is not just simply just a matter of face-to-face exchange of information. In organizations people communicate in different levels of communication such as interpersonal, intrapersonal, organizational, small groups, public and intercultural. Strong communication skills is the most important attribute a manager can possess which means they have to master the four basic elements of communication: reading, writing, listening and speaking. –Michael Fielding (2006). Communication is one of the most important fundamentals in a business organization for it to be successful...
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...Cultural Context of IHRM Intercultural Management Studies Our world is filled with many different and unique countries, all with their own customs and cultures. In International Human Resources Management, it is the IHRM Department’s job to educate any expatriate about the foreign country they will be moving too. The main reason to do this is preventing cultural shock causing a smoother transition for the expatriate. Culture can be defined as “the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time” or is a more business related sense “a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization.” Throughout the years there have been many intercultural management studies and there are four most widely accepted theories: The Hofstede study, The GLOBE study, The Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner study, and Hall & Hall’s cultural dimensions. These studies broke down cultures and behaviors around the world and are valued resources for IHRM departments. First, there is the Hofstede study. Geert Hofstede was a professor who conducted an extremely comprehensive study of how different cultures place value in the workplace. It was Hofstede who first made an empirical model and had different dimensions of national culture. These dimensions were: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, femininity vs. masculinity, individualism vs. collectivism, and long-term orientation. Each different country would get scores in each section and from...
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.................................................................................. 5 Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................................................... 5 Prescribed And Recommended Books ........................................................................................ 6 Mandatory Course Requirements ................................................................................................ 6 Module 1: Communication Theory ............................................................................................... 7 Module 2: Small-Group Communication ...................................................................................... 9 Module 3: Intercultural Communication ..................................................................................... 12 Module 4: Audience, Purpose And Register .............................................................................. 16 Module 5: Oral Communication ................................................................................................. 18...
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