Choice of words and tonality impact conflict resolution.
Adjusting communication based on psychological distance enhances message reception.
Deep dives
The Role of Communication in Conflict
Communication plays a crucial role in both initiating and resolving conflicts. The choice of words, tonality, and communication medium can significantly impact the outcome of disputes. Different communication channels offer varied richness and synchronicity levels, influencing conflict management. The content and emotional tone of conflict-related communications also shape the conflict's process and outcome.
Communication in Inter-group Conflict
In inter-group interactions, individuals' preferences for emphasizing or overlooking differences depend on their perception of intentional discrimination. Question framing significantly influences people's views on inter-group conflicts, demonstrating the power of subtle variations in communication. Psychological distance, encompassing temporal, physical, social, and hypothetical aspects, affects communication effectiveness in leadership and contracting contexts.
Enhancing Communication Efficacy Through Psychological Distance
Adapting communication strategies based on psychological distance is key to message fluency. Matching the level of psychological distance with the concreteness of communication enhances message reception. Adjusting temporal aspects and ensuring message fluency through personal anecdotes aid in increasing audience engagement and perception of closeness.
“Communication, conflict, and cooperation are intertwined in a multitude of ways,” says Nir Halevy, associate professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Halevy sits down with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams, to discuss how we can often solve conflicts and disagreements by employing the correct strategy in our communication.
“How you articulate a particular grievance, your choice of words, the nonverbal aspects of your claim, such as the tone of your voice, can definitely influence reactions to your claim,” Halevy says.