Cross-cultural studies (Korean, Arabic)
Overview: Culture has been identified as having a significant influence on conflict dynamics, but there are limitations in existing research. Prevailing approaches have dichotomized cultural values (i.e. individualism vs. collectivism) and most studies essentialize cultural groups and deny in-group variations and complexities. Alternatively, group differences may be studied through cultural landscapes for conflict. By studying conflict in a three-dimensional space, we can examine multiple conflict orientations simultaneously. This allows for the exploration of group differences in value priorities on various conflict propensities. In these studies, we will compare and explore cultural similarities and differences in preferred conflict orientations for work conflicts (cultural conflict landscapes) in the United States and South Korea. We will also examine if more adaptive orientations to conflict affect satisfaction with work-relevant DVs (conflict satisfaction, job related well-being, satisfaction with coworkers, intention to quit and self-efficacy) similarly in both cultures. We will also explore whether cultural tightness-looseness, defined as the strength of social norms and degree of sanctioning within societies, has been used to explain cross-cultural variations.
