The management of multicultural group conflict

With the globalization of trade and advancement of technology, diverse task groups are required to work together. With new models of teamwork, conflict will accelerate from a variety of sources as multicultural groups emerge. This article explores this problem and challenge by presenting contemporary research. The process model of conflict and the structural model will be examined as well as the cognitive and interactional theories of conflict to consider congruence with organization demands. Conflict in a multicultural task groups is discussed considering the six dimensions of culture as well as trust (mistrust) and communications (miscommunications). Diversity as an antecedent condition of perception of conflict is presented utilizing Hofstede’s classical research framework. A systematic process to diagnose as well as implement these strategies conclude this article in conjunction with the development of key behavioral skills and competencies to assess managers to deal with conflict, culture and change.