Conflict management styles and knowledge management cycle categories: Theoretical analysis with application in Portugal

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the relation between conflict management styles and knowledge management cycle categories. The question it is relevant because it is important to verify if the way organizations and groups manage knowledge is related with the way they manage conflict and relations. The research is based in theories on conflict management (Deutsch (1980), and knowledge management (Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995). The relation is measured by a quantitative study, using confirmatory factorial analysis, on two already tested scales. We conclude that KM cycle is indeed related with conflict management and in particular, more integrative ones ways of managing conflict are related with a higher level of knowledge management related activities. This finding reinforces the notion that KM is based on dialogue, as put forward by Nonaka's Ba (Nonaka and Konno, 1998). The study is limited because the sample was composed by a small number of individuals; confirmation of the results is needed using a larger sample.