Katie Cervoni

App Log
Ch. 32
Face-negotiation theory
In Ting-Toomeys face negotiation theory the main focus is on how people
from different cultural backgrounds deal with conflict. This is a wide area of study,
and Toomey believes it can be further broken down for better study but there are
two groups people are broken down into to study cultural conflict: collectivistic and
individualistic cultures. These two groups focus on cultures that are focused on the
we or the me. A collectivistic culture is where members of the culture are
focused more directly on the other, the bigger picture, and people groups as a whole.
They are more concerned with group loyalty and identity. In contrast is an
individualistic culture that is focused on the me and are looking out for themselves
most importantly and immediate family or friends. Other than these two main
culture separations, Toomey also believes that our conflict resolution style can be
categorized into two of five categories. An individual may have only one, but it is
believed that there are two conflict styles how you perceive conflict and react to it,
and how to react to conflict under pressure.
In my own experience, I am a shark most times. I can argue my way out of
anything and I can sharpen the tounge when it is necessary. Is this ethical or morally
aligned with my Christian faith? That would be a no, but this is my natural conflict
resolution style. I would go as far to say that this was taught to me. In my family
dynamic there is not a lot of conflict, but when there is it is dealt with like 2 sharks
going after a chunk of meat, and in the end there is a winner and a loser. This
happens then all is back to normal. After processing this, and becoming aware of
other conflict styles I have started to put a lock on my shark tank and stat to
compromise when conflict arises.