CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON GROUP DECISION MAKING: DOES TIME PRESSURE ACT AS A MODERATOR?

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between conflict management styles and decision-making effectiveness of individuals working in groups. Data for the survey was derived from a sample of 120 people from education and corporate sectors of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Region. The major postulation of the study was that how individuals manage conflicts that also profoundly affect their other activities such as decision making. To further understand behavioral dynamics behind conflicts and related variables, time pressure was considered as possible moderating variable. A cross sectional analysis of the data showed that those who adopt integrating and compromising conflict management styles make more effective decisions than those who use dominating and avoiding styles. Also, moderating effect of time pressure was found to be positive and significant. The study contributes to the existing literature on conflict management, decision making effectiveness and time pressure among people in developing countries.