Integration of Cultural Values and Cross-Cultural Conflict Management

Developing effective relationships between managers and employees appears to be particularly difficult when they have diverse cultural backgrounds (Chen & Tjosvold, 2006). Researchers have argued that in addition to mapping cultural differences, studies that directly examine cross-cultural interactions are needed to understand how to facilitate cross-cultural collaboration (Bond, 2002; Smith, 2002).This study explores the effects of the Western values of free expression and individualism in contrast to the Chinese values of hierarchy and collectivism on the interaction between Western managers and Chinese employees. Specifically, it proposes that the Western value of free expression, compared with the Chinese value of hierarchy, can promote open-minded discussion of diverse ideas and thereby effective conflict resolution. It also hypothesizes that the Chinese value of collectivism, compared with individualism, can strengthen the relationship between Western managers and Chinese employees and help them discuss their diverse views open-mindedly to manage conflict