Conflict management and mediation in intercultural and international conflicts

In intercultural and international conflicts, cultural differences and the resulting difficulties in communication and mutual understanding between those involved play an important role.

These different world views, ways of communication and expectations are deeply rooted in our socialization. Often it is misunderstandings, misinterpretations and alienation that trigger conflicts – or, in the case of material conflicts, make the dispute more difficult. In the case of international conflicts, the fact that there are different jurisprudence and processes often take a long time is aggravating. Mediation provides faster, cheaper solutions and considers the different cultural levels in the clarification.

Resolve conflicts

Typical conflict situations in intercultural and international conflicts

Intercultural mediation

An international company has different locations around the world. The employees mostly work together remotely. For several months now there have been increasing conflicts between the American colleagues and the Germans. On the face of it, the tone is friendly, but the quality of implementation is declining and management complaints are piling up from both camps.

Mediation includes found that Americans feel exposed by the direct criticism of the Germans, while the Germans lack clarity. The conflict is resolved on the factual, relational and cultural level by establishing mutual understanding and allowing new trust to be built up.

International mediation

A German-Italian couple is in the separation phase. You live in Italy and you have two children. The German woman has a job offer in Switzerland, the Italian man works in Italy. Now it’s about children’s rights of access.

The legal situation is different in both countries. Legal proceedings would be lengthy, expensive and involve risks. Both of them suffer a lot from the situation and are afraid of loss. A mediation by a German-Italian team of mediators helps the two to resolve the process independently and peacefully.

International business mediation

International supply chains are interrupted after the corona shutdown. A French supplier is not yet able to deliver the urgently needed parts in the required quantity and quality to the German company. This also has to deliver and is under pressure. Contract actions are not useful.

Fast and creative solutions are needed – but the mood between the two managing directors is tense. They threaten each other and argue openly. They can no longer find a good solution on their own.

In a mediation between the management and their lawyers, the companies agree on a step-by-step plan for “normality” and manage to find their way back to the collegial tone.

How does intercultural or international mediation work?

In intercultural and international mediation, in addition to the subject matter, the cultural background and the associated communication, attitude and moral standards also play a role.

The mediator must be an expert in this field and have an understanding and knowledge of cultural differences as well as a wealth of experience in resolving such conflicts. It is often necessary to bring in several mediators from different countries.

CONSENSUS has this competence. Dr. Andrea Hartmann-Piraudeau (GF) is an expert in this field. She is certified as an international mediator by IMI in The Hague and has a wide network of international mediators for co-mediation in more than 25 countries and languages. CONSENSUS also has an international network with other mediation companies to resolve major international commercial disputes.

Why You Should Choose Conflict Resolution

In the case of intercultural conflicts, the focus is on the parties developing mutual understanding in addition to resolving their factual conflict. This is a new basis for further cooperation and strengthens the relationship.

Intercultural conflicts have a very high resolution rate and are experienced by those involved as an enriching process. With international mediations, the advantage lies in the speed and self-determination of the process compared to judicial clarification. International peacekeeping processes are about building dialogues (see also procedures with larger groups), working out stable solutions and building mutual understanding.

We are here for you

Your contact persons

Sabrina Beichter

Sabrina Beichter is responsible for customer care and coordination at the CONSENSUS Group. She will be happy to answer all your questions about our offers.

Alexandra Kieffer

Alexandra Kieffer is responsible for customer care and coordination at the CONSENSUS Group. She will be happy to answer all your questions about our offers.

The decisive step towards pacifying a conflict is to set out on the path to clarification. We advise you confidentially.

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