A gender perspective on conflict management strategies of nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To apply a gender perspective to synthesis of research findings on conflict management.


METHODS
The Thomas-Kilmann Mode Instrument (TKI), for measuring five conflict-handling strategies: avoiding, compromising, collaborating, accommodating, and competing.


METHODS
Nursing research studies with the TKI and other studies are synthesized from perspectives in three gender theories.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings were that two conflict management strategies, avoiding and compromising, were used predominantly by all categories of nurses. Possible reasons for over- and underuse of the remaining three strategies (collaborating, accommodating, competing) are described. Implications of these findings for nurses and nursing organizations are discussed.
University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, 3rd Floor Clinical Sciences Bldg., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3. patricia.valentine@ualberta.ca
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Valentine
D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017008:Negotiating; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D010559:Personnel Management; D012737:Sex Factors