Workplace Conflict and the Impact of Gender

By S Van Spronsen

Workplace Conflict and the Impact of Gender is a researched approach, examination and measurement to the female and male affective responses to situations of resolved and unresolved conflict in the workplace. The research results contribute to the growing body of literature that suggests that gender does play a role in the differing ways that men and women react emotionally to conflict in the workplace. Understanding of the role that gender differences play in both resolved and unresolved conflict could also yield more individualized, gender-specific, and effective resolution methods and alternatives. This is particularly important, as related by Gwartney-Gibbs and Lach (1994), because of the link between and negative impact unresolved conflict situations potentially have on women’s achievements, advancements, and opportunities in the workplace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S Van Spronsen
• Release date: Mar 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311508089

Book preview

WORKPLACE CONFLICT AND THE IMPACT OF GENDER

By

Sheryl van Spronsen

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 Sheryl van Spronsen

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Abstract

This study examined and measured female and male affective responses to situations of resolved and unresolved conflict in the workplace. Using survey questionnaires, results indicated gender differences in post-conflict responses to emotion identification and labeling and levels of comfortableness or uncomfortableness to 2 resolved and 2 unresolved hypothetical workplace conflict situations. Female participant responses indicated a higher level of intensity of emotions in response to resolved and unresolved situations than males, and their responses directly correlated with the outcome of the conflict; happiness and high levels of comfort with the resolved conflict, and high levels of uncomfortableness with the unresolved conflicts. Male participant responses included more variance and neutrality in levels of comfortableness in both resolved and unresolved conflicts.

Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks to my advisor, Dr. Nanette Potee, for all her guidance, suggestions, constructive comments, and encouraging words during the preparation of this thesis.

My appreciation goes to my other committee members as well, Dr. Maria Moraites and Dr. Tim Dun.

To special friends, family, and canine who provided assistance, encouragement, and support on a variety of levels: Shelly Van Spronsen, Joan Van Spronsen, Robert Leppink, and Shasta.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Table of Contents

Abstract

Acknowledgement

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Conflict

Gender

Conflict and Gender

Conflict: Men, Women, and Emotional Responses

Conflict, Gender, and Emotions Research

Research Question

Chapter 3 METHOD

Survey

Participants

Materials

Questionnaire

Procedure

Chapter 4 RESULTS

Case Study

Case Study

Case Study

Case Study

Chapter 5 DISCUSSION

Limitations and Future Research

Conclusion

References

Appendix A

Appendix B

Chapter 1

Introduction

Conflict is everywhere. The popular media communicates it and we are exposed to it daily. One only needs to look as far as the evening television news if it bleeds, it leads, to the front headlines of our daily newspapers, to the plots of recent movies to find the prevalence of conflict messages throughout our culture. We are exposed to a daily diet of societal conflict. Conflict is a reality of life, like death and taxes (Heim & Golant, 1993, p. 9).

Conflict is also an inevitable part of every work relationship. According to Cloke and Goldsmith (2000):

Every partnership produces conflict. It is not possible for people to participate in improving the quality of their products and services, or the quality of their processes, without experiencing it. The only question, the only choice, is how to experience it (p. 27).

This conflict experience is a pervasive and fundamental part of a manager's role in the workplace. "...managers frequently must make decisions or take actions that adversely affect the interests of others, involve the allocation of