Acculturation, enculturation, parental adherence to Asian cultural values, parenting styles, and family conflict among Asian American college students.

The present study examined the relations between perceived parenting styles and family conflict with data from 149 Asian American college students. Ratings of parenting styles were highest for authoritarian style, followed by authoritative and permissive styles. Tests of mediation revealed that authoritarian parenting significantly explained why parents’ adherence to Asian cultural values was associated with increased family conflict. Tests of moderation showed that as permissive parenting increased, more acculturated participants reported lower family conflict, although the reverse was true for their less acculturated counterparts. When authoritarian parenting increased, integrated, separated, and assimilated participants reported increased family conflict, whereas the marginalized group reported lower family conflict. Finally, assimilated participants reported less family conflicts at higher levels of authoritative parenting in comparison to the integrated, separated, and marginalized groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Developing Structural Integrated Stressor–Stress Models for Clients’ and Contractors’ Cost Engineers

Estimation is not a purely scientific task. It requires cost engineers equipped with a wide knowledge of construction and a professional ability to make judgments. However, stress will deaden their use of knowledge and influence their professional judgment in estimating. In the construction industry, cost engineers can generally be divided into two main groups: clients’ cost engineers in consultant firms or in a development company who serve clients; and contractors’ cost engineers in construction companies working for the contractors. This study investigates the causal relationships between the stressors and stress of clients’ and contractors’ cost engineers. Two stressor–stress integrated models were developed for these two cost engineer groups by using the structural equation model. The findings revealed some stressors that affected both clients’ and contractors’ cost engineers: (1) poor environment, role conflict and work underload affect their stress positively; (2) social support and Type A behavior affect their stress negatively; and (3) work underload induces stress via the role conflict among cost engineers, their supervisors, and the organization. On the other hand, some deviations between these two groups of cost engineers also occur: (1) social support acts as a source of stressors of clients’ cost engineers; (2) a private life stressor only affects the stress of contractors’ cost engineers; and (3) a closed interactive looping relationship among role conflict, Type A behavior, and work underload affects contractors’ cost engineers. Based on the results of this study, some recommendations are suggested to manage cost engineers’ stress well.     

Development and validation of the Supervisory Styles Inventory.

Conducted a series of studies to develop and validate the Supervisory Styles Inventory (SSI) with parallel versions for supervisors and trainees. The instrument and validation procedures were based on a conceptual model of interrelated sources of variability among supervisors. Four separate analyses consistently revealed 3 factors among the perceptions of heterogeneous samples of trainees and experienced supervisors, which suggests that supervisory style is multidimensional. Scales constructed from these factors—Attractive, Interpersonally Sensitive, Task Oriented—demonstrated robust reliabilities and construct validity. In one study, SSI scales discriminated within and between expert supervisors with different theoretical orientations working with the same supervisee. These results were consistent with other evidence that a highly task-oriented style is endorsed by cognitive-behavioral supervisors, a highly interpersonal style by psychodynamic and humanistic supervisors. Furthermore, these supervisory styles seem to be differentially related to trainees' level of experience—supervisors are more task oriented with beginners, more attractive and interpersonally sensitive with interns. All 3 styles were strongly associated with trainees' reported willingness to work with different model supervisors and satisfaction with supervision. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Epistemic motives and cultural conformity: Need for closure, culture, and context as determinants of conflict judgments.

Three studies support the proposal that need for closure (NFC) involves a desire for consensual validation that leads to cultural conformity. Individual differences in NFC interact with cultural group variables to determine East Asian versus Western differences in conflict style and procedural preferences (Study 1), information gathering in disputes (Study 2), and fairness judgment in reward allocations (Study 3). Results from experimental tests indicate that the relevance of NFC to cultural conformity reflects consensus motives rather than effort minimization (Study 2) or political conservatism (Study 3). Implications for research on conflict resolution and motivated cultural cognition are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influences of Personality on the Adoption of Conflict-Handling Styles and Conflict Outcomes for Facility Managers

Although conflict can be both functional and dysfunctional, unresolved conflict results in dissatisfaction and stress, thus reducing efficiency and productivity. However, personality affects the ability to handle conflict. The relationships of personal traits (extraversion and agreeableness), conflict-handling styles, and functional/dysfunctional conflicts are examined from a sample of facility managers in Hong Kong by using Rahim’s conflict style model and the Big Five personality traits of extraversion and agreeableness. In this study, extraversion shows positive correlation with the integrating and compromising styles, which are conducive to functional conflict incidents. The integrating style is the most commonly adopted style among facility managers in Hong Kong. Dysfunctional conflict is associated with the three styles of obliging, dominating, and avoiding; in particular, the avoiding style is a significant predicting variable of dysfunctional conflict incidents. Although conflict is inevitable, it is suggested that personality is an important variable in selecting project team members, as the combined traits of high extraversion and low agreeableness encourage the integrating style, which is conducive to functional conflict outcome.     

Rating leniency and halo in multisource feedback ratings: Testing cultural assumptions of power distance and individualism-collectivism.

This study extends multisource feedback research by assessing the effects of rater source and raters' cultural value orientations on rating bias (leniency and halo). Using a motivational perspective of performance appraisal, the authors posit that subordinate raters followed by peers will exhibit more rating bias than superiors. More important, given that multisource feedback systems were premised on low power distance and individualistic cultural assumptions, the authors expect raters' power distance and individualism-collectivism orientations to moderate the effects of rater source on rating bias. Hierarchical linear modeling on data collected from 1,447 superiors, peers, and subordinates who provided developmental feedback to 172 military officers show that (a) subordinates exhibit the most rating leniency, followed by peers and superiors; (b) subordinates demonstrate more halo than superiors and peers, whereas superiors and peers do not differ; (c) the effects of power distance on leniency and halo are strongest for subordinates than for peers and superiors; (d) the effects of collectivism on leniency were stronger for subordinates and peers than for superiors; effects on halo were stronger for subordinates than superiors, but these effects did not differ for subordinates and peers. The present findings highlight the role of raters' cultural values in multisource feedback ratings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Computerized DSS for Construction Conflict Resolution under Uncertainty

Due to the inherent nature of construction projects, conflicts are unavoidable among the various parties involved. Such conflicts often delay projects and cause losses for all parties. This paper presents the development of a decision support system (DSS) to help in resolving construction disputes. The DSS integrates the elimination method to shortlist promising resolutions to a conflict, the graph model for conflict resolution to determine the best resolution that satisfies all decision makers’ preferences, and the information gap theory to consider uncertain decision preferences. A prototype system has been developed and a case study of a construction conflict used to demonstrate its features. The presented methodology for construction conflict resolution is useful for both researchers and practitioners to better deal with the dispute-prone nature of the construction industry under uncertainty and lack of information. In this paper, the proposed prototype successfully simulated and predicted the sequence of decisions that took place in the case study dispute, in the presence of uncertainty.     

Individual differences in nonverbal behavior: Dimensions of style.

Style, which is also known as expressive movement, refers to the way in which behavior is performed. Two studies were conducted to develop measures of style, explore their dimensionality, and assess the validity of the dimensions. In the 1st study, Ss' style was rated by peers in everyday situations. A factor analysis produced 4 dimensions—Expressiveness, Animation, Expansiveness, and Coordination—which were internally consistent, stable over time, and stable across raters. In the 2nd study, style was assessed both by trained raters and by peers. There was evidence for the convergent validity of the dimensions: Within-trait, cross-method correlations were of a magnitude similar to those typically found in personality research. Sex differences and relationships with other personality traits, including masculinity–femininity, were also examined. Implications for person perception are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Marital locus of control and marital problem solving.

Examined the relation between 88 couples' (mean age 32.67 yrs) marital locus of control and their approach to marital problem solving. Ss completed Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale and the Miller Marital Locus of Control Scale. It was predicted that internals for marital satisfaction would more actively engage in problem solving than externals and that couples who confronted problems in a constructive rather than an avoidant or destructive style would arrive at better solutions and would be happier with them. Behavioral measures of conflict resolution style and problem-solving ability were derived from videotapes of the couples as they dealt with commonly encountered marital conflict situations. The data support the hypotheses and suggest that internals for marital satisfaction are more active and direct in their problem solving than are externals. Internals were more effective in communicating and achieving their desired goals and reported higher levels of marital satisfaction than externals. Active engagement in the discussion of marital issues by couples resulted in more effective problem solving than styles characterized by avoidance. Destructive marital interaction was related to poor problem solutions and lower self-reported ratings of solution satisfaction. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conflict resolution in the parent–child, marital, and peer contexts and children’s aggression in the peer group: A process-oriented cultural perspective.

Theories of socialization propose that children’s ability to handle conflicts is learned at home through mechanisms of participation and observation—participating in parent–child conflict and observing the conflicts between parents. We assessed modes of conflict resolution in the parent–child, marriage, and peer-group contexts among 141 Israeli and Palestinian families and their 1st-born toddler. We observed the ecology of parent–child conflict during home visits, the couple’s discussion of marital conflicts, and children’s conflicts with peers as well as aggressive behavior at child care. Israeli families used more open-ended tactics, including negotiation and disregard, and conflict was often resolved by compromise, whereas Palestinian families tended to consent or object. During marital discussions, Israeli couples showed more emotional empathy, whereas Palestinians displayed more instrumental solutions. Modes of conflict resolution across contexts were interrelated in culture-specific ways. Child aggression was predicted by higher marital hostility, more coparental undermining behavior, and ineffective discipline in both cultures. Greater family compromise and marital empathy predicted lower aggression among Israeli toddlers, whereas more resolution by consent predicted lower aggression among Palestinians. Considering the cultural basis of conflict resolution within close relationships may expand understanding on the roots of aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Working with conflict in clinical supervision: Wise supervisors' perspectives.

Eight female and 4 male supervisors identified by professional peers as highly competent were interviewed about experiences of conflict in supervision and their dependable strategies for managing it. Highly competent supervisors were open to conflict and interpersonal processing, willing to acknowledge shortcomings, developmentally oriented, and willing to learn from mistakes. They believed in creating strong supervisory alliances, discussing evaluation early on, modeling openness to conflict, and providing timely feedback. Dependable strategies included contextualizing conflicts in light of developmental and environmental factors, seeking consultation with colleagues, self-coaching, processing conflicts, accentuating supervisee strengths, interpreting parallel processes, and withdrawing from supervisee dynamics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sex differences in the appropriateness of supervisory styles: A nonmanagement view.

Three different supervisory styles (directive, rational, or friendly) portrayed by male vs female supervisors were rated by 30 male, average age 27.9 yrs, and 30 female, average age 27.2 yrs, nonmanagement personnel. Ss evaluated the effectiveness of, and their satisfaction with, the various styles portrayed as though they were the subordinates. The directive style was rated least favorably when it is displayed by female supervisors. Results indicate that nonmanagement employees' sex role stereotypes merit further investigation. Also, a contingency view of leadership should take into account that the sex of subordinate and of supervisor jointly suggest the appropriate supervisory style. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Engineer’s Study Notes for Understanding the Arbitration Process

Using arbitration to resolve commercial disputes has many advantages over court-based litigation. These include the use of “judges” who understand the relevant technical issues and industry practices and thus reduce the probability of unpredictable results can significantly reduce the cost and delay associated with document exchange and depositions and can reduce the amount of time spent on evidence presentation in hearings. Engineers can play an important role when determining whether their organizations and their clients arbitrate or litigate. The use of arbitration requires contractual agreement. Without the inclusion of predispute arbitration procedures in the project’s contracts, it is likely that disputes will be resolved through litigation and not arbitration. Engineers can influence the inclusion of arbitration because they often suggest the forms of project contracts as representatives of engineering, contracting, or owner organizations. Engineers may also find themselves in management roles where they will be involved in a dispute that will be resolved via arbitration. As a party to the arbitration, it is important for the engineer to understand what influence he or she has in making decisions regarding the arbitration process. This paper provides guidance to engineers who are in a position to influence the inclusion of arbitration in the project contracts. This paper also provides suggestions about how the engineer can work with the attorneys to influence the best and most cost- and time-efficient result in the event an arbitration has been commenced. This paper is not a theoretical research paper but rather is a practical guideline based on the experience of the writers, who are engineers and who have been in the arbitration field, both domestically and internationally for over 30?years, seeing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Together, they share their insights on why the arbitration process can be the better choice for dispute resolution.     

Coping with conflict situations: Middle-aged and elderly men.

In this study we investigated the coping responses of fairly healthy, middle-aged (40–64 years, n?=?76) and elderly (65–92 years, n?=?106) men to five conflict situations (i.e., decision making, defeat in a competitive circumstance, frustration, authority conflict, and peer disagreement). Coping responses were measured by the Life Situations Inventory, developed to assess three forms of coping: problem-solving, avoidance, and resignation. Scales were based on a 28-item questionnaire and were derived rationally through item analysis. Alpha coefficients ranged from .75 to .82. Elderly subjects used avoidance significantly less often than did middle-aged subjects in handling decision-making and authority-conflict situations. No differences were noted between the age groups in use of problem solving or resignation. Both middle-age and elderly persons favored use of problem solving in managing all conflicts. Results suggest that studies that do not address potential interactions between age and stress situation may be missing an important element in the age–coping relation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Quantification of Costs for Dispute Resolution Procedures in the Construction Industry

The extent to which disputes affect the construction industry has been well-documented. There are a plethora of anecdotal stories, and even some data that explain how unresolved conflict can impact project cost, schedule, and quality. In response, many systems and procedures have been developed to address disputes and their resolution within the construction industry. However, no data exist that quantitatively compare these various alternatives and the real costs of resolving a dispute using methods other than litigation. This paper presents a framework for identifying and capturing the transactional costs incurred to resolve disputes throughout the full spectrum of resolution options. Transactional cost data from 46 recently completed construction projects, totaling over $2 billion of total installed costs, confirm that these sums can account for a large portion of the settlement/award amount, the original claim amount, and even the total contract value when using some dispute resolution methods. Furthermore, using dispute trend and cost data, a comprehensive dispute management system based upon the concepts of risk management is proposed, highlighting the overriding objective of promoting dispute avoidance/resolution in the most cost-efficient manner possible.     

The relationship between maternal problem-solving style and adolescent social adjustment.

Examined the relationship between social functioning in adolescents and their mothers' conflict-handling style, categorized according to 5 conflict-handling styles identified by M. A. Rahim (see record 1983-27060-001). 89 adolescents (aged 11–17 yrs) and their mothers participated. Mothers completed a measure assessing their style of handling conflict, mothers and fathers completed measures of the adolescents' social functioning, and behavioral observations of the mothers and adolescents were conducted. Results indicate that mothers who scored high on the integrating style (a style using exchange of information and examination of differences to come to a mutually acceptable, often creative, solution) measure had adolescents who were better socially adjusted according to mother, father, and behavioral observation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Construction Claims and Disputes and the Business Culture of Construction in Japan

Increasing attention is today being focused on the issue of dispute resolution in the Japanese construction sector. Disputes were infrequent under the traditional contract agreement system. However, against the background of a shrinking construction market, owners, contractors, builders, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers are seeking higher profits and are increasingly asserting their rights, resulting in the creation of an adversarial environment in the industry. It is not generally known outside Japan that the term “claim” has traditionally been used in the nation’s construction industry with an entirely different meaning to its use in other countries. This paper discusses unique characteristics of the implementation of construction work in Japan that are representative of this different use of terminology. These unique characteristics are considered as the result of a business culture that has developed through a combination of historical circumstance and the specific characteristics of Japan’s construction market. The paper also examines the mechanism of dispute resolution, and considers specific details and changing trends in construction disputes using relevant statistical data.     

Abstract and concrete self-evaluative goals.

Assuming that people often hold the abstract goal of acquiring accurate feedback but recognize that acquiring favorable feedback can make the self-evaluative process more comfortable, the authors posited that low-level construals (of how action is performed) would elicit greater self-enhancement motivation than would high-level construals (of why action is performed). Individuals chronically using low-level construals had greater interest in downward social comparison (DSC) and less interest in negative feedback (NF; Studies 1 and 3). Decreases in temporal distance (which foster low-level construals) also elicited greater interest in DSC and less interest in NF (Studies 2 and 4). The latter effect was explained by participants' aversion to inconvenience (Study 5) and not by approach–avoidance conflict (Study 6). These results suggest that the level of abstraction at which people construe self-evaluative situations can influence their feedback preferences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Overt and relational aggression in Russian nursery-school-age children: parenting style and marital linkages

Maternal and paternal parenting styles and marital interactions linked to childhood aggressive behavior as described in Western psychological literature were measured in an ethnic Russian sample of 207 families of nursery-school-age children. Results corroborated and extended findings from Western samples. Maternal and paternal coercion, lack of responsiveness, and psychological control (for mothers only) were significantly correlated with children's overt aggression with peers. Less responsiveness (for mothers and fathers) and maternal coercion positively correlated with relational aggression. Some of these associations differed for boys versus girls. Marital conflict was also linked to more overt and relational aggression for boys. When entered into the same statistical model, more marital conflict (for boys only), more maternal coercion, and less paternal responsiveness were found to be the most important contributors to overt and relational aggression in younger Russian children.     

The relative effectiveness of setting goals as a chance for dealing with complex decision processes in medicine

Beyond specialist aspects, decision making in medicine must also take ethical and economic considerations into account. Decisions according to the rational principle are orientated towards premisses with goals as a crucial part of them. Upon close examination, medical as well as ethical and economic premisses turn out to be uncertain, offering room for interpretation and procedural considerations. Simple algorithms of problem solution fail in complex decision situations especially if contradictory goals have to be considered and if a high potential of conflict exists. In complex problems, therefore, it is suggested to employ a three-step programme that consists of limiting the conflict by making the goals more precise and of handling the conflict by balancing different goals as first measures. As third step one could image a solution of the conflict by means of an evolution of different goals basing on the very uncertainty or relativity of goals.