Erika Beedle Reflection #7

Erika Beedle

Reflection #7

Chapter 11

            I really enjoyed learning about culture, communication, and conflict as it relates to intercultural communication.  One of the main ideas I took away from class was that conflict is not necessarily a bad thing.  I learned that through conflict, progress could be made.  This idea is called productive conflict, meaning that a successful conflict management or resolution occurred.  All groups of people will have conflict, even if they share similar cultural backgrounds.  When you have a problem with your friend, you try to make it up, and talk to that person about what is wrong.  This sort of communication is lacking in intercultural conflict.  Conflicts between different cultural groups are usually harder to resolve because people simply don't try very hard.  I believe that you are in involved in a conflict that you should use this experience to create growth and cooperation. 

            You can have a productive conflict if you try to achieve these seven things:

·      Stay centered and do not polarize.

·      Maintain contact.

·      Recognize the existence of different styles.

·      Identity your preferred style.

·      Be creative and expand your style repertoire.

·      Recognize the importance of conflict context.

·      Be willing to forgive.

The next time you are in an intercultural conflict, don’t brush it under the rug.  Face the problem, use communication to try to find a compromise, and use this time to break boundaries that was once there before.