Personality and Gender Differences in Preference for Conflict Resolution Styles

Abstract

The study investigated the predictive relationships of personality and gender with five conflict resolution styles. It involved 282 participants (151 males and 131 females) randomly sampled from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, aged 18-38 years, with a mean age of 22.68 years. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey, and the results of hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between openness and negotiation, mediation, and arbitration; conscientiousness and negotiation; as well as agreeableness and negotiation. There was a significant negative relationship between agreeableness and threat; as well as neuroticism and negotiation. In addition, males and females differed significantly in their preference for negotiation, mediation and arbitration, with males showing higher preference for the styles in intergroup conflict situation. It was concluded that negotiation would be more effective in conflict resolution when the parties are open, conscientious and agreeable than when they are highly neurotic.