Understanding Managing Intercultural Conflict

Conflict

It is an unfortunate circumstance that all too often people of different ethnicities, races, religions, or cultural backgrounds will have difficulty in associating with one another. Consequently, the groups are for more likely to fall into conflict than agreements. The best way to overcome these probable disagreements is to formulate ways in which to better communicate between groups. Communication is key in creating any kind of functional relationship, whether that be between two people or even on an international level.

Increase communication between the two groups, through mediation of another party if necessary

Try to find common ground on which both parties can agree. Begin by establishing a relationship based upon similar attitudes and goals rather than focused on differences between the two parties.

Put aside preconceptions based on religious differentiation or cultural separation. Try to understand the other side of the equation and that their perception may be different from your own.

4. Do everything possible to avoid the inclusion of arms and violence into the argument for as long as possible.

Implementation:

1. To increase communication, it is necessary for leaders of the two groups to engage in direct contact. It is far more difficult to maintain an attitude of hostility and violence when the two leaders are required to establish personal contact. Additionally, continued communication will make it less likely for objectives or agendas to become confused or for truth to be allowed to be disguised by political action and propaganda. In individual conflicts, these conflicts can often be resolved with the inclusion of a third, neutral party who will not have any initial biases when determining the potential for compromise and conflict resolution. The same could hold true for larger scale difficulties.

2. Try to find common ground. Often conflicts are based upon difficult, convoluted circumstances. This allows the two parties to establish a connection and to see, from both a psychological and sociological perspective that they are not so unalike despite their many differences. By first establishing the various criteria on which both parties are able to agree, there is far more likelihood for there to be a respectful discussion on the topic in which they do not agree.