A U.S.-China Investigation of the Effects of Perceived Partner Conflict Styles on Outcome Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Perceived Partner Conflict Competence

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to test the competence-based conflict model across two cultures. It seeks to determine whether perceptions of partner conflict competence and communication satisfaction mediate the relationship between perceived partner conflict behavior and relational satisfaction in U.S. and Chinese cultures. Results indicate that, although cultural variances exist, the competence-based model has an adequate model fit across both cultures. The effects of perceived partner conflict styles on relational satisfaction are largely mediated through perceived partner conflict effectiveness in the United States, whereas their effects are mostly mediated through appropriateness in China. Results also indicate that culture does not moderate the effects of perceived partner conflict styles on perceived partner effectiveness and appropriateness.

Keywords::

• Appropriateness
• Competence-Based Model
• Conflict Styles
• Effectiveness
• Relational Satisfaction

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Qin Zhang

Qin Zhang (Ph.D., University of New Mexico, 2005) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at Fairfield University.