Validity of self-reported conflict handling preferences and the role of self-enhancement

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess predictive and convergent validity of a trait measure of conflict handling styles (DUTCH) with two alternative methods of measuring such styles: a vignette measure of behavioral choices (CB-Pref) and behavior in a role-played conflict. In addition, this paper investigates self-enhancement in responses to the two self-report measures.

Design/methodology/approach

In Studies 1 (N = 117), 2 (N = 116) and 4 (N = 68), participants completed the DUTCH and CB-Pref. In Study 3 (N = 56 dyads), participants completed the DUTCH and a role-played conflict. In Study 4, participants also responded to the measures as either a typical person or an ideal person would.

Findings

The DUTCH predicted four of five styles individuals chose across nine vignettes of the CB-Pref. In Study 4, the DUTCH predicted three of the five. In Study 3, only the DUTCH’s forcing style predicted actual behavior. In Study 4, participants rated themselves as more constructive and less destructive than typical, but less constructive than ideal. Participants in general were somewhat self-enhancing on both self-report measures, but individual differences in social desirability were generally unrelated to self-report responses.

Originality/value

This work takes a multi-method approach to assessing the validity of a self-report conflict style measure, allowing for the assessment of the measure’s predictive and convergent validity when predicting self-reported style tendencies to style selected in vignettes and behavior in a role-played conflict.

Citation

Johnson, K.E. and Hall, J.A. (2018), "Validity of self-reported conflict handling preferences and the role of self-enhancement", International Journal of Conflict Management, Vol. 29 No. 4, pp. 543-563. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-03-2018-0039