Conflict Management: The Essence of Leadership

Abstract

Convergent validity of "conflict management" and "leadership" constructs was qualitatively assessed. Ruble and Thomas' theory of dimensions of conflict and its management was compared to Blake and McCanse's leadership grid and Fiedler's contingency model. Noteworthy similarities were discussed and the authors concluded that "leadership" and "conflict management" constructs share much common ground. Conflict management strategies can be used to better understand leader behavior within the leadership grid. The conflict management approach of the leader in a given situation may also provide insight into why leader-situation match is a significant contributor to group performance. Although the two leadership theories analyzed appear to be incompatible, it was observed that training programs based on the theories are both directed at improving conflict management.

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