A Critique of Conflict Management Style Usage Within Communication Research
Research Mentor(s)
Lee, Ee Lin
Description
The objective of this piece is to critique the use of the five main conflict management styles: dominating, integrating, obliging, compromising, and avoiding within communication research. We analyzed past research findings, describing the use of the dualistic framework of individualism and collectivism and how these create generalizations about cultures and communication patterns. Furthermore, we describe the components of concern, detailing concern for self and concern for others and the various conflict management styles associated with each. Additionally, we identified various strengths within the theory, such as the recognition of ethnocentric tendencies, the tools to participate in self-reflection, and the acknowledgement of variability with the use of a variety of theories. We critiqued various weaknesses of the theory such as the polarization of the two dimensions of individualism and collectivism, which creates an either/or dynamic of the different styles, the appropriateness of the research instruments, and the ecological validity of the participant's responses.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
17-5-2017 9:00 AM
End Date
17-5-2017 12:00 PM
Department
Media and Communication
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Conflict management--Research
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this documentation for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
A Critique of Conflict Management Style Usage Within Communication Research
The objective of this piece is to critique the use of the five main conflict management styles: dominating, integrating, obliging, compromising, and avoiding within communication research. We analyzed past research findings, describing the use of the dualistic framework of individualism and collectivism and how these create generalizations about cultures and communication patterns. Furthermore, we describe the components of concern, detailing concern for self and concern for others and the various conflict management styles associated with each. Additionally, we identified various strengths within the theory, such as the recognition of ethnocentric tendencies, the tools to participate in self-reflection, and the acknowledgement of variability with the use of a variety of theories. We critiqued various weaknesses of the theory such as the polarization of the two dimensions of individualism and collectivism, which creates an either/or dynamic of the different styles, the appropriateness of the research instruments, and the ecological validity of the participant's responses.