Background. John Saunders is the second son in a middle-class family. Growing up in the Midwest, he had always planned on going to State U, getting a business degree, and then going out into the business world to make his fortune. His parents have supported him in his endeavors and are currently helping by paying a portion of his tuition.

Tha Goo Chi is an only child. Her parents, who had both come to America as poor Chinese immigrants, have worked hard to make a home in America. Her father is now a prominent doctor, and her mother is a professor at the University. Tha has been raised in an environment where one is taught to respect the words of their elders and play a subservient role to them. Her parents have always wanted Tha to have an easier life than they had, and they believe that starts with a good education. They have paid for her education all along and plan to continue to support her until she gets her doctorate.

After meeting in an Introduction to Management small-group discussion, John and Tha have now been dating seriously for over a year. This is Johns last year before he graduates, and he is now ready to settle down with Tha, a woman with whom he thinks he can be happy. They have talked about marriage, and both have agreed that eventually they would be married, perhaps after Tha gets her degree, which is still two years away.

John has brought up his plans to his parents on several occasions. At first, they questioned his judgment. However, after talking over his plans and explaining his feelings, his parents gradually came to accept his situation and wish him the best for the future. Thas parents have always been curious about her relationship with John. They think John is a good person, but they want the relationship to remain as just friends.

When John visits Tha, her parents are always cordial. However, they frequently mention their wish for Tha to finish her schooling and then marry a distinguished Asian gentleman. John has never approached Thas parents about his future plans with Tha and wishes that Tha would tell them her intentions. She has attempted to bring up her feelings for John to her parents, but they insist on her marrying an Asian man.

Situation. John stops by Thas room after just passing an important test in advanced accounting. He is happy because he is now getting an A in this class, which will virtually guarantee him a job with the company where he is interviewing. Things are moving quickly, important pieces of his future are falling into place, and he wants to make sure his most important piece will also be there.

He has been questioning Tha a lot in the past few weeks about what she has told her parents about them. She is getting sick of all this badgering. After all, she says, there is still a lot of time left. John doesnt understand why she doesnt resolve the problem like he did with his parents. Tha says he doesnt understand. John says that if she wouldnt be so stubborn and follow his example, things would be all right. At this point they get into a fight and John storms out of the room, saying, Obviously you love your family more than me!

Questions to Trigger Reflection and Discussion: approx. 2-3 sentences per question!

1. What type of conflict is this?

2. What barriers exist between the characters that prevent communication?

3. If you were Thas friend and she asked you for advice on how to resolve this conflict, what advice would you give her?