React to Interact: Role of Intercultural Communication Competence in Conflict Management

The purpose of this study is to identify students' conflict management styles in intercultural communication, and to determine variables which could predict these styles. Using "Scale with E-Model for Intercultural Effectiveness" and "Scale for Conflict Handling Styles", the conflict managements styles of three universities students were tested (N=158). Through a descriptive analysis, inclination towards five conflict management styles emerged from the data, results of which were slightly different from that of previous research. Correlation test was conducted which indicated significant correlation (P<.05) between intercultural communication competence and conflict management styles. Comparisons of conflict management styles by different genders indicated no significance differences (P<.05). This study also provides theoretical argumentation on guidelines for effective conflict management and fostering of comprehensive intercultural communication competence.