The present study investigates the
role of culture in conflict resolution. 43 Australian and 40 Chinese completed an 82-item
scale measuring the four dimensions of cultural values identified by Hofstede
(1984). They then responded to two conflict scenarios by answering a series of
questions based on the Littlefield, Love, Peck, and Wertheim (1993) model of conflict
resolution. It was hypothesized that Australian and Chinese groups would have different
value system placement along Hofstede's four dimensions and that this would manifest in
different interpretations of conflict according to the Littlefield et al. model. Analysis
suggests that the groups differ on each of the four dimensions, and interpreted and
responded to the scenarios differently. It was concluded that value dimensions of culture
are associated with conflict response. This has implications for establishing expectations
for win-win outcomes, common goals and empathy for others needs, all of which are integral
to the use of integrative bargaining to handle conflict constructively. The presentation
will suggest that further studies investigating the role of gender and individual conflict
pathways is required, in order to develop guidelines for inter-cultural conflict
resolution more fully. |
