The impact of race and sex on conflict resolution styles among peers at work

This study explored the degree to which sex moderates the relationship between race and the conflict resolution style chosen by White males. Seventy-one working, professional White males completed an online survey regarding hypothetical scenarios in which they disagreed with a peer at work. Before responding to the scenario, participants reviewed a resume that manipulated sex and race of the target peer. Participants then rated their level of endorsement of five different conflict resolution styles. Participants also indicated the degree to which they attributed the conflict to differences in values and/or beliefs. The results were mixed but generally supported the moderating effect of sex on the relationship between conflict resolution styles and target race. There was also some support for the effect of target race on conflict resolution and attribution of conflict.