Cataloging Information
Decisionmaking & Sensemaking
This article examines the relationship between group management styles and the effectiveness of group decision making. The researchers first identified conflict management styles and then analyzed group decisions and their effectiveness. The results of the study show that most groups develop management styles consistent with one another. Further, groups that develop integrative (or cooperative) conflict management styles make more effective decisions than groups that use confrontational and avoidant conflict management styles. Groups that do not develop stable conflict management styles are less effective than groups with integrative styles. While the study is based on theoretical knowledge, it is very useful for organizational members looking to further understand conflict management styles, decision making, and the connection between the two.