The effects of sex of source and target on interpersonal conflict management styles

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of subject sex and target sex on reported conflict management styles. Subjects (n = 147) were instructed to think of either a same‐ or opposite‐sex person while completing the Thomas‐Kilmann Conflict Mode instrument. Results indicated that males were more likely than females to report using a competing style, while females were more likely than males to report using a compromising style. Regardless of their own gender, all subjects were more likely to report using an accommodating style if the target was female. Implications of these findings are discussed.