The Impact of Ethnic Background and Demographics on Conflict Management Styles’ Preferences: A Study of Six Sub-Cultures of Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to investigate conflict management style preferences of employees and how ethnic background along with other demographics affects these preferences. Using online survey, 296 responses are analyzed from the Govt., education sector, NGOs and private sector employees. Respondents comprise of Pakhtuns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, Punjabis, Hindkowan, Urdu speaking community and Chitralis. Results show that there are significant differences in conflict management style preferences due to the ethnic background, education and organization type while there are no significant differences due to gender. It is also found out that the most and least preferred styles are integrating and dominating, respectively, irrespective of demographics of the respondents. They differ in their second, third and fourth preferences. Similarly, results also show that ethnic background, education and organization type are the valid predictors of conflict management style preferences. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on changing conflict management style preferences and dynamic versus static models of culture. It also puts forth managerial recommendations with regards to recruitment and selection, T & D, and posting and transfers. Directions for future research and limitations of the study are also discussed.

Keywords: Ethnic background, conflict management styles, organizational demography