15 - Initiating and Fostering Positive Intercultural Relations

Summary

Much work in both politeness theory and the intercultural field focuses on problematic interactions (situations where there has been some kind of offence or disagreement) and/or on ways of preventing or avoiding such problems, where the aim is to maintain smooth interpersonal relations. However, another important angle on relating is ways of proactively building and enhancing relations, and this is the focus of this chapter. It considers ways in which relationships of various kinds (personal friendships, workplace colleagues, international business partners) can be initiated and fostered, and the impact that cultural factors can have on these processes. Chapter 15 notes that there are few developmental models that identify or explain these processes, and that there is a corresponding minimal amount of empirical research into the developmental process, especially for intercultural relations. The chapter suggests, therefore, that this is a valuable area for further research. The chapter has four main sections: developmental conceptual frameworks; initiating intercultural relations; fostering and enhancing intercultural relations; conceptual reflections.