Conflict Styles and High–Low Context Cultures: A Cross-Cultural Extension

Abstract

This study examines the assertion that culture influences conflict style preference. Data were gathered in India (n = 657), Ireland (n = 311), Thailand (n = 232), and the United States (n = 592). Conflict was measured using Oetzel's Conflict Style Measure. Results confirm that high-context nations (India and Thailand) prefer the avoiding and obliging conflict styles more than low-context nations (Ireland and the United States), whereas low-context nations prefer the dominating conflict style more than high-context nations. However, results of this study are contrary to previous research in that high-context nations prefer the compromising style more than do low-context nations, and the nations are mixed in their level of preference for the integrating style.

Keywords:

• Conflict Styles
• Culture
• Hall
• Nation

Notes

Note. Superscripts represent significant mean differences in each conflict style using the Games–Howell procedure. ps < .05.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .0001.

Note. SS = sum of square; MS = mean square.

*p < .0001.

Note. SS = sum of square; MS = mean square.

*p < .0001.

Note. SS = sum of square; MS = mean square.

*p < .0001.

Note. SS = sum of square; MS = mean square.

*p < .0001.

Note. SS = sum of square; MS = mean square.

*p < .0001.

Ann Bruno, Paul McGrath, Caroline Adams, Cassandra McGahan, Angela Suits, and Ashleigh Huckins received their MA in Communication from Marist College in 2011. All student authors are randomly listed to indicate their equal participation in this endeavor.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephen M. Croucher

Stephen M. Croucher (PhD, University of Oklahoma, 2006) is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication and the Arts at Marist College.