| Rural law enforcement officers are confronted daily with numerous conflict situations. These range in varying degrees from minimal confrontations to severe violent altercations. The conflict management style used to address these issues also varies, depending upon the circumstances surrounding the event and the individuals involved. However, not everyone reacts to conflict the same. This study explored the possible relationship between the preferred conflict management style used by rural law enforcement officers and the amount of their formal education. A sample of 111 sworn officers from various departments in rural Wisconsin completed the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict MODE Instrument (TKI) and a demographic questionnaire; which included information regarding their educational background. Participants' conflict management styles were determined by the highest score on the conflict management subscales accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, competing, and compromising. Analysis of the data was done using histograms, scatterplot, Pearson Chi-Square and Pearson r Correlation. Results indicated that variance in the accommodating conflict management style could be explained by the educational attainment of the officer. However, since these finding were marginally significant further analysis was completed. A stepwise regression analysis confirmed that educational attainment was a significant predictor of the accommodating conflict management style. These findings may prove as a basis in determining the appropriate educational levels or training necessary for officers to manage conflict situations more effectively and efficiently. This may reduce the number of violent escalations and improve interpersonal relationships between officers and those in the community. |
