A CONFLICT MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT OF HOME ECONOMICS ADMINISTRATORS IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND LAND-GRANT COLLEGE

Scope and Method of Study. The purpose of this study was to assess the conflict management behavior of home economics administrators in higher education. Nine null hypotheses were tested. The Conflict Management Assessment Instrument (CMAI) was developed in five parts to assess (1) conflict management technique used in various situations, (2) sources of conflict, (3) frequency of conflict, (4) personal data, and (5) perceived effectiveness of conflict behavior. The CMAI was mailed to 208 administrators on the membership list of the Association of Administrators of Home Economics. Usable data were obtained from 157 respondents (75.5 percent). Statistical procedures included Pearson's r, AOV, Kendall's W, and Kuder-Richardson 20.;Findings and Conclusions. Collaboration and bargaining were most likely to be used in conflict management. Collaboration was found to be related to perceived effectiveness of conflict management. Conflict management techniques were consistent across role function and interpersonal situations. Effectiveness was perceived as greater when dealing with subordinates than with administrators. Role, size of institution and sex were variables explaining differences in conflict management and sources of conflict. Administrators in the 31 to 50 age group viewed conflict as occurring more frequently than did older administrators.;Since the CMAI was designed for this study and participants were limited to home economics administrators, it was recommended that the study be replicated. Further suggestions included utilization of the revised instrument, study of dyads in conflict and inclusion of other variables related to conflict.