Do you hear my accent? How nonnative English speakers experience conflictual conversations in the workplace
Kim, Regina Ramirez-Marin, Jimena Y Tasa, Kevin
Kim, Regina
Ramirez-Marin, Jimena Y
Tasa, Kevin
Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2022-01-11
Journal
International Journal of Conflict Management
Book
Publication Volume
33
Publication Issue
1
Publication Begin page
155
Publication End page
178
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of nonnative speakers in conflictual situations with native speakers in the workplace. In three studies, the authors examine whether nonnative speakers experience stereotype threat in workplace conflict situations with native speakers, whether stereotype threat is associated with certain conflict managing behaviors (e.g. yielding and avoiding) and the relationship between stereotype threat, satisfaction with conflict outcomes and processes, and objective conflict outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Studies 1 and 2 use critical incident recall methodology to examine nonnative speakers’ conflict behaviors and satisfaction with conflict outcomes. In Study 3, data were collected from a face-to-face simulation with a random-assignment design. Findings Findings suggest that nonnative speakers indeed experience heightened stereotype threat when interacting with native speakers in conflict situations and the experience of stereotype threat leads to less satisfaction with conflict outcomes, perceptions of goal attainment, as well as worse objective conflict outcomes. Originality/value The current study is one of the first studies to document the effects of accent stereotype threat on conflict behaviors and outcomes. More broadly, it contributes to the conflict studies literature by offering new insight into the effects and implications of stereotype threat on workplace conflict behaviors and outcomes.
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour, Basic Behavioral and Social Science, Behavioral and Social Science, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions