MANAGING CHANGE AND CONFLICT

MANAGING CHANGE AND CONFLICT

In the text by Von Glinow, Shapiro and Brett (2004) ¿Can we talk, and should we? The authors argue that words might lead to misunderstanding in cross-cultural settings. Give examples of other alternatives that might be effective when dealing with conflict situation.

Emotional conflict is inevitable in MCTs; therefore, encouraging MCT members to avoid emotional conflict is not a useful prescription. When emotional conflict occurs, talk may be not possible or if it’s possible, may be undesirable and therefore ineffective. It may be more helpful to train MCT members and the leaders of such teams to use aesthetic means to deal with emotional conflict rather than encourage talk.

For example a way to release our anger is through painting, it will help us articulate what we are felling.

Also visual images facilitate cross-cultural understanding. Metaphors graphic as well as conceptual nature helped people understand culturally different meanings of teamwork.

Another example is an aesthetics activity, which is for example singing songs in order to feel positive emotions including unity and pride. In the business context aesthetic activities has been linked to an increase in positive feelings such as empathy, unity and solidarity among employees.

                             http://thehrcoach.org/2011/03/31/leadership-quote-of-the-day-10/