Coalition, mediation, and scapegoating: General principles and cultural variation

Abstract

A general model of coalition formation, mediation, and scapegoating is presented in the context of organizational work groups. An empirical study of 254 American groups, 106 Swedish groups, and 99 Norwegian groups indicates that there are significant cultural variations in patterns of coalition formation and interpersonal behavior across cultures. American groups tend to be either unified or highly polarized while Scandinavian groups are more likely to maintain mild polarizations. In addition, Americans tend to be more individualistic and selfcentered than Scandinavians and are more likely to polarize around issues of alienation versus involvement, while Scandinavians are more likely to polarize around issues of authoritarianism versus nurturance.