ANTECEDENTS AND EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE GOALS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Abstract

This study employed a scenario method to test the hypotheses of the multiple goals theory. One hundred and seven Japanese students were asked to read the scenarios that described a conflict between two people and to consider themselves as the one of whom an economic cost was unreasonably requested by the other. Four situational variables (resource cost, familiarity between the two persons, the other person's manner, and the other person's tactic) were presented in the scenarios. In addition, a set of scales to measure four different goals (relationship, identity, justice, and resource) were included, as well as two types of mitigative tactics (integrative and appeasing), and two types of confrontational tactics (assertive and aggressive). A basic hypothesis of the theory—that social goals would be activated even in resource conflicts—was supported. It was also found that familiarity activated relationship goals, which increased mitigative tactics and compliance, but decreased confrontational tactics, and that a resource cost activated resource goals, which increased both mitigative and confrontational tactics, but decreased compliance.

Citation

Fukushima, O. and Ohbuchi, K. (1996), "ANTECEDENTS AND EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE GOALS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION", International Journal of Conflict Management, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 191-208. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb022781