Values & Social/Cultural Influences on Conflict

1. Values & Social/Cultural Influences on Conflict Conflict Resolution Day October 16,2014

2. Objective • Expanding the meaning of Multicultural • Identify similar and different values and social/cultural influences between themselves and someone with whom they're in conflict • Learn how values and social/cultural influences can affect the conflict resolution process in a positive or negative way

3. Introduction When you have a conflict with another person, it's easy to think that one person is 'right' and one is 'wrong'.’ Usually, we each think we're right, but the reality isn't quite so cut and dry. Another way to approach the conflict is to notice the differences and similarities in values and social and cultural experiences between yourself and the other person. If you first acknowledge and understand the differences -- without judging, attacking, or criticizing -- then you can use the similarities to work toward resolution.

4. Expanding our Understanding of “Multicultural” Often, especially when talking about cultural identity or diversity, "culture" becomes synonymous with "race" or "ethnicity." One’s culture is made up of more than who are ancestors are and where we came from. It is formed by our interactions with others and how we internalize the messages we receive; our live experiences and where we see ourselves in relation to others. Levels of Culture • Concrete – how others see us – color, clothes (first impression) • Behavioral – how we define social roles, language we speak, approach to non verbal communication • Symbolic – values and beliefs

5. Values & Social/Cultural Influences Questionnaire

6. Small Group Activity • Were you able to identify your own and the other person's social/cultural influences and values? If not, why not? • Thinking of the people you have the most (or the most difficult) conflicts with, do you have more similarities or differences in values and social/cultural influences? • How do these similarities and differences affect what you do and what the other person does in a conflict? • Are conflicts more common between people with different backgrounds and values, or from similar backgrounds and values?

7. Large Group Activity • Can you resolve conflicts effectively with someone whose values or social/cultural influences are different from yours? How? • If you do not know what the other person's social/cultural influences and values are, would it be useful to find that out? If yes, why? How could you find that out? If no, why not?

8. VIEWPOINTS Not all of us share the same viewpoint All our viewpoints are valid in the context of our own personal experience

9. Viewpoints - continued In a conflict we need to work to understand others' viewpoints, even if we don't agree with them. If we can understand their viewpoint… and what is important to them … and if we can make ours clear to them

10. We can work toward a collaborative solution, in spite of our differences.

11. Questions and Comments

12. Happy Conflict Resolution Day ! Content modified from materials provider by NAFCM