A gender comparison of conflict management style preferences within the space exploration industry: Assertiveness verses cooperativeness

This study addressed gender issues as they relate to conflict management style preferences of both men and women. The study utilized work related environmental issues such as education, age, and managerial experience along with the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict MODE Instrument to address three research questions. The research questions were first, is there a difference between the conflict management style preferences of female managers as compared to the preference of their male counterparts within the space exploration industry; second, is there a correlation between a female's preferred conflict management style and their years of experience in the space exploration industry; and third, is there a correlation between a male's conflict preferred management style and their years of experience in the space exploration industry? The study found no difference between males and females conflict management style preference. Likewise, no difference was found between a female's conflict management style preference and the number of years they have been either in management or in their company. The study also found that there is no correlation between the number of years a male is with the company and their conflict management style preference; however, the study did find a correlation between the number of years a male is in management and their conflict management style preference.