50 Activities for Conflict Resolution

THE BACK OF THE BOOK: SELF-DEVELOPMENT

II

KNOW YOURSELF

The Role of Values

in Conflict Resolution

103

PURPOSE OF THE EXERCISE: To explore how individual differences in values

underlie the effect that culture has on creating and attempting to resolve conflict.

INTRODUCTION: Those people who are most effective in resolving conflict

across diversity lines know and understand their own beliefs and values. They

recognize that others may bring different sets of values and beliefs to the process.

WORKSHEET

Here is a way to examine values. Place an X on the continuum closest to your

personal beliefs.

Column A Continuum Column B

Informality is the way

to go.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Formal behavior and dress

are most important.

Communication should be

direct.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indirect communication is

more effective.

Competition leads to success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Harmony brings better

results.

Time-sense is extremely

important.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Promptness is not a major

concern.

Authority needs to be

questioned.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Authority is worthy of trust.

Emotions can be shown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Emotions should be

controlled.

The individual can stand out

from the group.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The group is most important.

I am youth-oriented. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age should be appreciated.

Admission of error is

important.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saving face supersedes all.

There are exceptions to every

rule.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules are meant to be

obeyed.

People are measured by their

accomplishments.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . People are measured by their

good qualities.

From top to bottom, connect the X’s to give you an idea of your profile.

What does your profile look like? Those people from a traditionally Western

perspective are likely to relate to the statements in Column A. People from

non-Western cultures may easily fall closest to those in Column B.

50 Activities for Conflict Resolution

104

SUMMARY

This simple exercise points out one reason why people from individualistic

competitive cultures (such as that of the U.S.) may have difficulty appreciating

other people for whom group well-being and harmony are key values.

In the Heat of the Moment

105

PURPOSE OF THE EXERCISE: To examine how emotions might interfere with

the process of conflict resolution.

INTRODUCTION: Often in a conflict situation, emotions take over and make it

difficult for the parties to remain focused. Conflict-resolution skills may be put

to use to reduce the tension.

WORKSHEET

Think back to the conflict situations you have taken part in. Try to imagine what

your feelings were at those times and list the emotions that surfaced when you

were engaged in conflict.

1. List the emotions you feel when you are involved in conflict.

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2. List how these emotions impact your ability to resolve conflict.

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3. List ways that you can bring your “emotional temperature” down.

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Now turn the page for a list of emotions that often surface in conflict and tips to

reduce negative emotions. Compare the emotions you listed with our list.