COMM311-DEV: Journal 2.2: Conflict in Relationships

2d Explain four ways to deal with conflict in intercultural interactions (CLO 1, CLO 4)

Journal 2.2: Conflict in Relationships

Return to your course journal and respond under the Journal 2.2 — Conflict in Relationships heading:

Some of the most severe problems in intercultural relations arise as a consequence of interpersonal conflicts. Consider the following statements. What do they tell us about the potential for intercultural conflict? — "The one who raises her/his voice has already lost." (Japanese proverb) "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." (American proverb)
Traditionally, within the US context, it has been argued that "covert, or hidden, conflict also is destructive in that it leaves issues unresolved and may result in psychological and/or physical estrangement" (Comstock & Buller, 1991, p. 48). Why might this philosophy lead to intercultural conflict?
Think of an unsolvable intercultural conflict that you have had. Why was it unsolvable? How did you communicate after realizing it was unsolvable? How did the dispute affect your relationship? Looking back on the situation, could you have done anything different to prevent the conflict from becoming unsolvable? If so, what?
What types of intercultural conflicts occur at your school? What groups or cultures have frequent conflicts?
What irritates you the most about how others handle conflict?

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