Session II: July 18-22, 2011

28. Resolving Conflict Across the Cultural Divide Mitchell R. Hammer and Mary-Frances Winters The ability to solve problems and manage conflict is a core dimension of intercultural competence. In order to effectively resolve intercultural disputes, the individuals involved must be able to recognize and respond appropriately to cultural differences. Our focus in this workshop will be developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to resolve conflicts across cultures. We will use a variety of learning methods to examine key research findings, practice direct and third-party interventions, assess conflict styles, and explore fundamental approaches for resolving conflict in the face of cultural and ethnic diversity.

Designed for Objectives Learning Activities Mitchell R. Hammer Mary-Frances Winters Interculturalists and others who need to manage and facilitate conflict in cross-cultural situations. Managers and administrators, police and armed service officers, teachers and trainers, and social workers are among those who would benefit from this course. Participants will have the opportunity to: Recognize cultural differences that “make a difference” in conflict resolution through the lens of the four-quadrant intercultural conflict style (ICS) model Determine their own intercultural conflict style as assessed by the ICS Inventory Understand the conceptual field of conflict resolution and how conflict differs from other forms of social interaction Identify direct/indirect strategies and emotionally expressive/restrained approaches for resolving conflicts characteristic of various cultural and ethnic communities throughout the world Learn core conflict resolution skill sets for effectively bridging across intercultural conflict styles Presentation and discussion of traditional and communication-based models of conflict negotiation and mediation Discussion of key research findings on conflict communication and the impact of stress on conflict escalation and de-escalation Participation in targeted and realistic cross-cultural role-play scenarios Practice in direct and third-party conflict communication efforts using key intercultural skills Guest presentations Completion of the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) Inventory Dr. Mitchell R. Hammer has focused his career on intercultural competence development, conflict resolution, critical incident management, and crisis negotiation. Mitch’s work spans a wide range of organizations, including corporations, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and federal agencies, including the NASA Johnson Space Center, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and National Institutes of Health. He developed the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) Inventory, an assessment tool for resolving conflicts; the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDIv3), an assessment instrument used to build intercultural competence; and the S.A.F.E. model of crisis negotiation used by law enforcement, as well as medical researchers testing controversial cancer therapies. His recent book, Saving Lives, on the S.A.F.E. approach, was awarded the 2008 Outstanding Scholarly Book in Applied Communication from the National Communication Association.   Dr. Mary-Frances Winters is the founder and president of The Winters Group, a 26-year-old organization development and diversity-consulting firm, specializing in research, strategic planning, training, and public speaking, with an emphasis on ethnic and multicultural issues. A recipient of multiple professional awards for her work in diversity and inclusion, Mary-Frances has also carried the torch for the Olympics and has been honored as “Mother of the Year” for the March of Dimes. Among other prominent board positions, she serves as a life member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Rochester. Her publications include Philanthropy Among People of Color for the Council on Foundations and Only Wet Babies Like Change: Workplace Wisdom for Baby Boomers.