Consideration of future consequences and decision-making patterns as determinants of conflict management styles

Abstract

This research examines the influence of temporal considerations on preferences for different conflict management styles. It also explores the mediating effect of different decision-making patterns in determining these styles. This research proposes that the extent to which individuals consider future consequences of their current activities significantly influences their decision-making patterns and consequently, their preference for different conflict management styles which could be cooperative or competitive in nature. Specifically, this research found strong support for high consideration of future consequences (CFC) leading to a reduced preference for competitive behaviour, and weak support for high CFC leading to increased preference for cooperative behaviour.

Keywords

• Consideration of future consequences
• Conflict management style
• Decision-making pattern