How to minimize online conflicts

[Dee]

Since recently (as always) there are cyber clashes on board due to misunderstandings, I thought this article might be of some good.


Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies

The key to effective cross-cultural communication is knowledge. First, it is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-cultural communication, and make a conscious effort to overcome these problems. Second, it is important to assume that one’s efforts will not always be successful, and adjust one’s behavior appropriately.

For example, one should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems develop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being thought and said.

William Ury’s suggestion for heated conflicts is to stop, listen, and think, or as he puts it "go to the balcony" when the situation gets tense. By this he means withdraw from the situation, step back, and reflect on what is going on before you act. This helps in cross cultural communication as well. When things seem to be going badly, stop or slow down and think. What could be going on here? Is it possible I misinterpreted what they said, or they misinterpreted me? Often misinterpretation is the source of the problem.

Active listening can sometimes be used to check this out – by repeating what one thinks he or she heard, one can confirm that one understands the communication accurately. If words are used differently between languages or cultural groups, however, even active listening can overlook misunderstandings.


International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict
Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado, USA (http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/xcolcomm.htm)

[Manchester]

Bless your heart, Dee!
;)

[folkrocks]

I think people misunderstand what other people are trying to communicate. I was not preaching, I was just expressing my heart felt philosophy about certain habits. Yes, we all come from different environments and cultures and what effects someone one way will effect someone else another way. :D

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

bit of respect:o

[Chet]

Why, bless you, Dee.

[Rickster]

Thank you Dee, We needed this info!

[steph]

Nicely put Dee. Evaluation of any conflict is necessary to ensure appropriate communication in the future. Often this can involve being able to put yourself in the "role of the receiver". Another aspect of conflict resolution is to determine how important the issue is to you. If it's really not that important in the grand scheme of things then why pursue it?

[Dee]

• Culture has to do with values and beliefs.
• Culture involves customs and traditions.
• Culture is collective, shared by a group.
• Everyone has a culture.
• Culture is learned.
• Culture influences and shapes behavior.
• Culture is transmitted from generation to generation.
• Culture is often unconscious; people are sometimes not aware of how their behaviors and attitudes have been shaped by their culture.
• People in all cultures have common needs.

(quoted from the Peace Corps (http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/bridges/lesson3/index.html) website)

The Internet can be a great communication tool. Look how it has given us the opportunity to meet other Janis Ian fans, and even Janis herself!

It's important (in my opinion) to remember that even though we share our love of Janis Ian's work, and are similarly touched by it, we are not all exactly the same, and do not all come here from the same place or with the same set of cultural influences. Community won’t thrive if that’s overlooked or forgotten.

I haven't posted this topic to speak to any one individual, but to all of us, myself first and foremost, because it never hurts to be reminded to respect how diverse we really are.