Conflict management styles among managers in Macedonian organizations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine Macedonian managers’ behavior and the strategy they most often have facing a conflict situation at work. Design/methodology/approach: Research instrument in a form of questionnaire was used to obtain data about strategies for managing conflict. For assessing which of the five modes: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding and accommodating Macedonian managers’ use we used Thomas-Kilmann conflict mode instrument. Findings: The results from the study give new insights in the managerial mind, providing information about managers’ approaches they have facing problems and conflict situations. Research limitations/implications: There is a literature gap in the area of organizational behavior studies in Macedonia. The results from the survey can be used for comparing the profile of Macedonian managers with managers from other countries. Practical implications: This study will increase the understanding of how managers’ behavior is connected with conflict management styles. Also, the results from the study can be used in creating new teams and predicting behavior based on the styles used in learning and conflict resolution. Originality/value: This research contributes to the field of organizational behavior by offering support and new findings. This study adds to the body of literature in what is considered relatively new and unexplored area of study in Macedonia. Also, this study will provide information about the behavior Macedonian managers have and clearer picture of their managerial style.