Examination of the Relationships Between Diversity Appreciation, Self-Monitoring and Cooperative Conflict Management

Abstract: This research study examines the mediating influence of self-monitoring (SM) on the relationship between diversity appreciation (DA) and cooperative conflict management (CCM). Two hundred and twenty-one undergraduate business students completed self-assessment measures of DA and SM, and identified a close associate who completed an observer version of the problem-solving component of the Dutch conflict management style scale. Product moment correlations were used to examine the hypothesized relationships between CCM and both DA and SM, and the Hayes process and the Sobel test were used to test the hypothesis that SM mediates the relationship between DA and CCM. CCM was significantly correlated with both DA (r = 0.30, p < 0.01) and SM (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). DA was significantly correlated with SM (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). Both the Hayes process and Sobel test (Z = 3.29, p < 0.001) confirmed that SM partially mediated the relationship between DA and CCM. Educators and practitioners need to be aware of the influence of DA and SM on CCM. Development activities that integrate diversity appreciation, sensitive responses toward the expressed behavior of others, and appropriate modification of self-presentation are likely to promote a cooperative approach to conflict management. This is the first study to examine the interrelationships between DA, SM and CCM. The results highlight the importance of promoting both diversity appreciation and self-monitoring as part of the process of encouraging more cooperative conflict management and strengthening the link between diversity and performance.

Key words: conflict management, cooperative conflict management style, diversity appreciation, attitude toward diversity, self-monitoring, self-awareness, self-regulation

JEL code: L