Relationship of Tolerance for Disagreement with Conflict Management Styles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between tolerance for disagreement and conflict management styles. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant relationship between levels of tolerance for disagreement and conflict management style. Another assumption was that there would be a significant difference between tolerance for disagreement of males and females. The sample comprised of 170 employed young adults within the age range of 19 to 40 years out of which 54.71 % were males and 45.29% were females. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the data from employees that fulfilled the criteria. Responses were recorded through online form and manually on paper. Measures used to assess the participants were following: consent form, demographic form, Tolerance for disagreement Scale and Rahim’s organizational conflict inventory-II. Statistical analysis through Chi-square test of association revealed that tolerance for disagreement was significantly associated with collaborating, accommodating and avoiding style of conflict management. Independent samples t- test showed that males had a higher tolerance for disagreement than women. Implications for organizational settings have been discussed.