Leadership style and choice of strategy in conflict management among Israeli nurse managers in general hospitals

Aims To identify conflict mode choices of head nurses in general hospitals and examine
the relationship between leadership style, choice of strategy in handling conflicts and
demographic characteristics.
Background Nurse managers deal with conflicts daily. The choice of conflict management
mode is associated with managerial effectiveness. The ability to creatively manage
conflict situations, towards constructive outcomes is becoming a standard requirement.
Methods Head nurses (N ¼ 60) in five general hospitals in central Israel were surveyed,
using a 3-part questionnaire: The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, the
Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire, Form 5X-Short (MLQ 5X) and demographic
data.
Results Head nurses perceive themselves significantly more as transformational
leaders than as transactional leaders. Compromise was found to be the most
commonly used conflict management strategy. Approximately half of the nurses
surveyed used only one mode in conflict management. Transformational leadership
significantly affected the conflict strategy chosen.
Conclusion Head nurses tend to choose a conflict-handling mode which is concerned a
form of a Lose–Lose approach. Preparation in conflict management should start from
undergraduate education.