연구논문 : Thomas-Kilmann 의 갈등관리기법 ( MODE ) 의 타당성 검증
This study was designed to test empirically the validity of Thomas-Kilmann`s MODE Instrument. For that purpose, it was explores that if any relationship exists between overall effectiveness of a middle manager and a particular conflict management technique. Conflict management techniques used in this study were MODE preference method which is developed by Thomas and Kilmann.: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Accommodating and Avoiding. Participants of this study were middle managers of K Group which is one of Korean che-bol. They were attending Special MBA programs at Sogang University Business School and the program was custom designed for corporate executives. For this study, these middle managers rated their own preference for use of five techniques and were rated by their superior, peer and subordinates on their preferences. These preferences were compared with their overall performance of Special MBA program. The statistical analysis did not show strong relationship between certain conflict management technique and overall effectiveness. A series of regression analysis resulted in a model which explained 38 percent of the variances. Three major implications for conflict management issues emerged from this study. First, MODE preference method has been used for many studies to assess an individual`s $quot;technique$quot; with high validity. But the result of this study with MODE could provide misleading information and should be used with care. This study suggests that people vary their interpersonal behavior styles depending on the situations. Second, this study suggests that the organizational level of the individual may be a important situational variable to use a certain conflict management technique. Third, for the middle managers, it is necessary how to assess situations and respond accordingly rather than providing a $quot;stated information$quot; how to handle conflict. For that purpose, it is important to find a way to connect individual learning to organizational learning through middle management education program.