Subordinates’ socio‐communicative orientation and their use of conflict strategies with superiors

This study investigated the relationship between subordinates’ socio‐communicative orientations and their use of organizational conflict strategies with their superiors. Socio‐communicative orientation is based on a person's assertiveness and responsiveness. There are four socio‐communicative orientations: competent, aggressive, submissive, and noncompetent. Subordinates (N = 228) completed a questionnaire of their socio‐communicative orientations and of their conflict strategies with supervisors. Noncompetents and submissives used nonconfrontation strategies more than competents and aggressives. Competents used collaboration strategies more than submissives and noncompetents. Aggressives and competents reported using control strategies more than submissives and noncompetents.