DefinePK

Abstract

The study examined the relationship of personal attributes (predictors) with interpersonal conflict handling strategies. Data were gathered from 225 middle and lower level managers through a questionnaire. Five conflict handling styles were extracted through varimax rotated factor analysis. Integrating and dominating were the most and least preferred styles for handling conflict with both superiors and subordinates. Need for power, achievement, and independence predicted the use of dominating, integrating, and obliging styles in both contexts. Power and achievement predicted use of obliging and dominating with subordinates. Achievement determined the avoiding and compromising styles with superiors; and independence predicted the use of integrating with subordinates and dominating with superiors.