P E Valentine1. 1. University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, 3rd Floor Clinical Sciences Bldg., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3. patricia.valentine@ualberta.ca
Abstract
PURPOSE: To apply a gender perspective to synthesis of research findings on conflict management. ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT: The Thomas-Kilmann Mode Instrument (TKI), for measuring five conflict-handling strategies: avoiding, compromising, collaborating, accommodating, and competing. METHOD: Nursing research studies with the TKI and other studies are synthesized from perspectives in three gender theories. CONCLUSIONS: Findings were that two conflict management strategies, avoiding and compromising, were used predominantly by all categories of nurses. Possible reasons for over- and underuse of the remaining three strategies (collaborating, accommodating, competing) are described. Implications of these findings for nurses and nursing organizations are discussed.
PURPOSE: To apply a gender perspective to synthesis of research findings on conflict management. ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT: The Thomas-Kilmann Mode Instrument (TKI), for measuring five conflict-handling strategies: avoiding, compromising, collaborating, accommodating, and competing. METHOD: Nursing research studies with the TKI and other studies are synthesized from perspectives in three gender theories. CONCLUSIONS: Findings were that two conflict management strategies, avoiding and compromising, were used predominantly by all categories of nurses. Possible reasons for over- and underuse of the remaining three strategies (collaborating, accommodating, competing) are described. Implications of these findings for nurses and nursing organizations are discussed.