Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses cultural preferences, examines that culturally influenced behaviours exist on a continuum, and that individuals within a culture typically draw on a spectrum of acceptable practices, but may also chose to deliberately ignore them. It seeks to contribute to a better, more profound, holistic understanding of the dynamics involved in conflict, conflict management and conflict resolution in interpersonal communication. The book looks at how various contextual factors, demographic constituents, attitudes and mindsets impact on the interactants’ stance towards disagreement, dissent, and ultimately conflict. Conflict constitutes a natural by-product of communication. As conflict typically arises from a misalignment in opinions and/or goals, it emerges on a regular basis in any type of interpersonal communication. A multitude of factors are explored that can either create or proliferate conflict.