Cultural Differences in Conflict Styles: Vietnamese Refugees and Established Residents

This study investigated the reaction of Vietnamese refugees to a conflict situation. We used the intercultural conflict that occurred between established residents and Vietnamese refugees in 1994 in Louisville, Kentucky, to explore the influence of collectivism and individualism and high-context and low-context communication frameworks on conflict styles. The study confirms that Vietnamese refugees have a collectivistic, high-context culture and suggests that they tend to avoid conflict. In this instance, conflict avoidance by the refugees, among other factors, has contributed to defusing the tension. However, the problem may be smoldering below the surface, and we discuss implications for future action and research.