Chinese Methods of Interpersonal Conflict Management

Abstract

Abstract : This paper investigates the differences between American and Chinese interpersonal conflict management styles by looking at the roots of Chinese culture, Chinese and American cultural differences, American conflict management models, and Chinese conflict management models. The paper concludes by applying Chinese and American conflict management styles to contemporary issues involving the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and the Republic of China. Overall, Americans overtly prefer collaborating or compromising techniques, but unconsciously tend towards competing. The Chinese, on the other hand, prefer non-confrontational strategies in order to maintain a harmonious relationship but will modify their styles depending on the nature of the relationship. They will often involve a third party to mediate and think much more positively about avoidance and accommodation than Americans. Facework provides an overarching strategy to maintain one's face within the group and determines which style has preference in a given circumstance.