Thesis (MBA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Business Administration Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 52-59)

ABSTRACT
This study analyzed the moderating role of gender in task conflict and relationship
conflict among white-collar employees at seven business organizations in the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus. The results of the analysis showed that when men are
involved in task conflict, it does not lead to relationship conflict. However, when
women are involved in task conflict, it does lead to relationship conflict. These
findings are the exact opposite of our hypothesis, which stated that men would be
experience relationship conflict as a result of task conflict, while women would not.
These findings are consistent with the work of Maslach and colleagues (2001), who
discovered that women and girls routinely outperform men on tests of emotional
exhaustion. On the other hand, males are more likely to show signs of
depersonalization than females. Gender role theory provides an explanation for these
disparities by postulating that women are taught to reveal their emotions and are
therefore more inclined to express them when they are feeling emotionally and
physically exhausted. However, men are conditioned to hide their emotions, so they
are more inclined to shut down and retreat when under pressure. In sum, the findings
stress the need to account for gender differences when studying the nexus between
task conflict and relationship conflict. It is clear that men and women may respond
differently to and cope with task conflict and it must be considered when adopting
conflict management strategies.
Keywords: Gender, Men, Organizations Task Conflict, Women, Workplace,