ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to develop a model which incorporates existing etic theory with Chinese emic concepts. It integrates both Western and Chinese models of conflict management to develop a framework of constructive conflict management applicable to cross-cultural interactions in Western companies in China and in Chinese companies in the West. The extant literature primarily describes Chinese culture as conflict-avoidant, a description merited by the importance placed on relationships in this collectivist society. Chinese culture and Chinese conflict management processes need to be understood and linked with general conflict research. To understand Chinese conflict management, researchers must understand the influence of collectivism, Confucianism and face on Chinese behaviors. Confucian values have had a heavy influence on Chinese conflict management. The weakening of traditional influences might explain the research that has found the existence of similarities between Chinese and American students, and that has shown that individual differences, rather than national culture, was the primary source of the variance in conflict styles.
