What challenges arise when people from cultures using the differing culture styles of interdependence and independence attempt to work together?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Key points from text include: The broader implication of these different beliefs about relationship conflict is that when conflict does arise in cross-cultural relationships (as it often does whenever people must work closely in interdependent tasks), people’s reactions will differ likewise, and these different reactions may trigger a spiral downward in dynamics that extends far beyond the initial conflict (Ferguson, Peterson, & Sanchez-Burks, 2012). For example, a Korean manager may become anxious that the team’s ability to succeed may be limited because of the interpersonal conflict and, hence, try to exit the team or work hard to restore interpersonal harmony. In contrast, the American is less likely to ruminate over the issue and prefers to “let bygones be bygones” rather than continue to focus on interpersonal difficulties over task-specific issues. Thus, beliefs about relationship conflict rather than actual effects of relationship conflict may pose the more serious threat to cross-cultural working relationships. Decisions about which teams to join, who to invite, and if and when to attempt an exit from the team will all reflect these beliefs about how much interpersonal harmony and relationship conflict affect a team’s ability to succeed in their mission.