An examination of conflict style preferences in India

Abstract

Purpose

This study sets out to examine conflict style preferences in India and the predictive effects of various demographic variables on conflict style preference.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered in India (n=827) among Muslims and Hindus. Conflict was measured using Oetzel's Conflict Style Measure. To answer the research questions, repeated measures ANOVA and multiple regressions were conducted.

Findings

The findings reveal that conflict style preference among Hindus in India differs significantly and that Hindus prefer the integrating and dominating styles, whilst showing the least inclination towards the avoiding and obliging styles. Muslims prefer the integrating and compromising styles and least prefer the dominating and avoiding styles. Analyses of the demographic variables' predictive influence reveal that age and sex are significant predictors for all five conflict styles for both Muslims and Hindus. Education has a mixed predictive influence on conflict style among Hindus and Muslims.

Research limitations/implications

Use of self‐report instruments and the majority of the participants coming from middle‐class backgrounds could limit the generalizability of the study.

Practical implications

The study calls for conflict mediators to consider the influence of group membership and educational level on conflict management/resolution. The research also discusses national/international conflict intervention.

Social implications

This paper informs individuals regarding the way in which two large religious and cultural groups differ in their approaches to conflict. For a nation that has experienced a history of conflict between these two cultural/religious groups, this paper can help shed light on how to bridge the conflict between them.

Originality/value

There are no studies directly comparing the conflict styles of Muslims and Hindus.

Citation

Croucher, S.M., Holody, K.J., Hicks, M.V., Oommen, D. and DeMaris, A. (2011), "An examination of conflict style preferences in India", International Journal of Conflict Management, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 10-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/10444061111103607