Cultural styles, relational schemas, and prejudice against out-groups

Two studies provide evidence that Latins (i.e., Mexicans and Mexican Americ ans) are guided by a concern with socioemotional aspects of workplace relat ions to a far greater degree than are Anglo-Americans. The focus on socioem otional considerations results in Latins having a relatively greater prefer ence for workgroups having a strong interpersonal orientation. Preferred re lational style had a far greater impact on preferences for workgroups and j udgments about their likely success than did the ethnic composition of the workgroups for both Latins and Anglo-Americans, Evidence that the two group s differ markedly in relational schemas comes from examination of suggestio ns about how group performance could be improved, judgments about whether a focus on socioemotional concerns necessarily entails a reduction in task f ocus, and recall for socioemotional aspects of workgroup interactions. Impl ications for the dynamics of intercultural contact are discussed.