| The focus of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine if, and to what extent a relationship exists between leadership style and conflict management style of Christian pastors. This study was conducted using a targeted population of 300 Christian pastors of denominational and non-denominational churches affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, El Paso Youth Ministry Network, and Youth for Christ organizations in El Paso, Texas. The sample used in the study was 84 participants. The theoretical foundations were based on the leadership grid theory and the Thomas-Kilmann conflict management theory. The data for the study were gathered through the Leadership Grid Questionnaire and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument to identify leadership style and conflict management style. Four research questions guided the study and the data were analyzed through Pearson's correlation for questions one and three and simple linear regression for questions two and four. The results of the study indicated that there is no relationship between the independent variable of people-oriented leadership style and the dependent variables of competing (r = -.096), collaborating (r = .189), compromising (r = -.072), avoiding (r = -.047) and accommodating (r = .043) conflict management styles. The study also showed that no relationship exists between the independent variable of production-oriented leadership style and any of the five conflict management styles. Simple linear regression analysis indicated that the independent variables (leadership style) did not predict the dependent variables (conflict management styles) in the study. |
