Blog 3

By: Lillian Blizzard

Communication within our family helps shape my immediate family’s culture by learning

how to resolve conflict. The type of culture my family most closely resembles is American. We

celebrate the American holidays, such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. We also celebrate

Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. We are family oriented, but still considered

individualistic. By being individualistic, we value individual rights more than group rights.

Our family’s culture has been communicated to me by observing the traditions and

events that occur. I was educated on how we celebrate holidays and host parties, but also

observed the norms within our group. Our family’s culture is communicated to the outside by

being on time. We view time, like monochromic cultures, as a scare resource. We believe being

on time is important and a sign of respect. We also use both nonverbal and verbal

communication to express implied and explicit messages during conversation.

Our family’s verbal and nonverbal communication reflects our culture by showing we

have an open style of communication. We value eye contact while talking because it shows

respect. We respect personal space but can pick up on nonverbal cues showing when to use

touch as part of communication. We use facial expressions and hand gestures for people to

understand our emotions during interactions. Our culture utilizes handshakes during formal

and informal occasions. Formal occasions may include business meetings and acquaintance

introductions in the professional setting. Informal occasions may include introduction of

friends or acquaintances and thanking others for their presence.

 When there is a conflict with another family member we resolve it by talking it out. We

find out what is wrong and then we either collaborate or compromise on a solution. By

collaborating on a solution, we search for a solution that works for all sides of the conflict. By

compromising on a solution either one or both sides has to give up one thing for that solution

to work. We always welcome feedback from all sides. Feedback is your response to others

which shows that you are actively listening and understanding what that person is saying.

I resolve a conflict with a coworker or manager by following the chain of command. I

would go to the person to talk about the conflict. We would then try to compromise or

collaborate to find a solution. If this meeting fails, I then would go to the people higher up and

repeat the process. Generally resolving a conflict with a family member and coworker do not

differ. The only thing that changes is maintaining a professional attitude at all times when I am

in the work setting, whereas when I am with my family we can communicate by more casual

means. The way I approach resolving conflict tells coworkers and managers that I am open to

discussing issues to find the best solution possible. I am open to change and ideas. This shows

that I have an open style of communicating which I learned from growing up in an open culture.